Developing the Leader Within You - Creating Positive Change : Part 3

We will continue our leadership journey, learning new skills and refreshing old ones, with John C. Maxwell's book Developing the Leader Within You.


The first order of things to be changed is me, the leader. After I consider how hard it is to change myself, then I will understand the challenge of trying to change others. This is the ultimate test of leadership.

Last time, we talked about the various forms of resistance the change agent may encounter. Today, we will discuss how to create a climate for change.

Human behavior studies show that people do not basically resist change; they resist "being changed."

As you read the following, remember: you do not have to be the "boss" or have a title to be a leader.
We are all leaders or future leaders. So, when you read the word "leader," think of yourself in that context.

1. The Leader Must Develop a Trust with People.
   • First question to a leader who wants to make changes within an organization is always: "What is your relationship with your people?"
   • If the relationship is positive, then the leader is ready to take the next step.
2. The Leader Must Make Personal Changes Before Asking Others to Change.
• "As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do." - Andrew Carnegie.
• Great leaders not only say what should be done, they show it!
3. Good Leaders Understand the History of the Organization.
• "Don't take the fence down until you know the reason it was put up." - G.K. Chesterton
• It is important to know what happened in the past before making changes for the future.
4. Place Influence in the Leadership Positions.
• Leaders have two characteristics. First, they are going somewhere; and second, they are able to persuade other people to go with them.
5. Check the "Change in Your Pocket."
• Every leader is given a certain amount of "change" (emotional support in the form of bargaining chips) at the beginning of a relationship. If the relationship weakens, the leader gives up "change" until it is possible for him to become bankrupt with the organization. If the relationship strengthens, the leader receives "change" until it is possible for him to become rich with the organization.
• Always remember: It takes "change" to make change.
• The more "change" in the pocket of the leader, the more changes that can be made in the lives of the people.
6. Good Leaders Solicit the Support of Influencers Before the Change is Made Public.
• This ten-item checklist includes all the steps a good leader will go through in soliciting support for a change from a major influencer in the organization:
  
• List the major influencer(s) of the major groups within your organization.
• How many will be affected directly by this change? (These people are the most important group.)
• How many will be affected indirectly by this change?
• How many will be positive?
• How many will be negative?
• Which group is the majority?
• Which group is the more influential?
• If the positive group is stronger, bring the influencers together for discussion.
• If the negative group is stronger, meet with the influencers individually.
• Know the "key" to each influencer.
7. Develop a Meeting Agenda that Will Assist Change.
• Every new idea goes through three phases: It will not work; it will cost too much; and, I thought it was a good idea all along.
• A wise leader, understanding that people change through a process, will develop a meeting agenda to enhance this process.
8. Encourage the Influencers to Influence Others Informally.
• Major changes should not surprise people.
• A "leadership leak" done properly will prepare the people for the formal meeting.
9. Show the People How the Change Will Benefit Them.
• The proposed change is what is best for the people, not the leader. The people must be first.
10. Give the People Ownership of the Change.
    
    • Openness by the leader paves the way for ownership by the people.
    • Without ownership, changes will be short-term.
      

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc