Some of the most common topics that crop up when I get into discussions about decisions that lead to change in organisations are around resistance and disagreement, and how to best deal with them.
I’ve written about how coaching can help leaders who might be feeling conflicted with decisions that are leading to change, but still have to lead their team to deliver.
Image: Miguel A Padrinan, Pexels
To build on this, I’m sharing five of the most common areas I explore with leaders (and teams) to help them get clarity on what’s at the heart of their responses. Delving into the answers to just a few of these questions can often help people find a way forward:
Get really clear – what is it specifically about this decision that I disagree with and why?
Understanding emotions – what emotions (negative and positive) am I experiencing about this decision and how are they getting in the way of me leading effectively?
My role as a leader – what’s my responsibility as a leader in supporting my team to deliver on this decision? How can I use my own experience of feeling conflicted to support my team in delivering when they might not agree with a decision that’s leading to change?
Where this fits – how does this decision align with the organisation’s broader goals and objectives? What other information do I need to be able to effectively communicate this decision to my team and help them deliver on it?
Getting support – who can help me get some more perspective, insight and guidance as I work my way through this? How can I use coaching or other resources to help me develop my skills and resilience to lead effectively through this and other similar situations?
What’s been your experience in navigating tricky situations like this as a leader? What themes or questions would you add to this list? I’d love to hear what works for you – and what doesn’t.
And, if you get stuck with answering these questions and a listening ear would help, you can find out more about my coaching services.
As always, I’d love to hear how you’re getting on in leading through change and uncertainty, so press reply if a chat would be useful.
You can also follow me on LinkedIn where I talk regularly about all things change, wellbeing, coaching and climate. And you can explore more at twistconsultants.co.uk