Ralph Waldo Emerson used to greet old friends whom he hadn't seen in a while with the following statement: "What has become clear to you since we last met?"
Interpreting this question confirms that through his communications, Mr. Emerson was not only a champion of change in his own existence, but was very interested in others' capability to accept and move ahead positively. I believe he understood ‘clarity’ gives people a true competitive advantage.
Clarity has been blurred this year. 2020 has been a motivator of change. Leadership, employment, and every aspect of work and personal life have been turned upside down. Whether in a lead position or not, the capability to manage the new landscape of life is up to each of us.
Champions of change typically include these perspectives:
Take personal responsibility for your actions.
Lead change from an optimistic viewpoint.
Use available resources to maximize success.
Creating competitive advantage at home and at work means we all must become champions and leaders of change. Leadership is not an exclusive tool to be used only by those in management or supervision. Leadership gives everyone a competitive advantage if they choose to take the reins to maximizing success and competitive advantages.
Take inventory. Write down all the talents and skills you know you possess. Don't be shy, you know what they are. Include how you grow your knowledge, the Ted Talks, audio books and blogs you've absorbed and the instruments used to manage change right now.
Then inventory the limitations. You will not be sharing this list so be honest. Include such success stoppers as lack of self-esteem, poor confidence, no money or time to learn new skills, and poor relationships.
How much time and money do you invest in yourself to be a champion of change and to maximize your competitive advantage? Successful people invest 2% or more of their gross annual income in their own intellectual capital. They pay for learning themselves instead of waiting for their companies to pick up the tab.
Often bureaucracy gets in the way: too many layers of control and approval, too many Zoom meetings, too many policies to enable anyone to be a champion of change. Remember that a good leader works to reduce the layers and act as an enabler, not an obstacle. See a problem and work to a solution. Show the decision makers the positive benefit of changing the routine of how the bureaucracy gets in the way of success.
Do you want to know how successful people accomplish this success and become champions of change? Read biographies and understand the common learnings successful people acquire to lead their lives.
Champions of change have a clearly articulated purpose and can sustain trust with their manager and team (both at work and home). To fulfill these needs leaders must provide direction and meaning, authenticity in relationships, optimism, and a bias for action.
Are you up to be the Champion of Change? If you are, you will maximize your success in this changing environment. Let me know how I can help to grease the path!
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Marsha Cell: 602 418-1991
Certified Virtual Presenter
Professional Speaker, Executive Coach, Best Selling Author Connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MeWe, Parler Professional Speaker, Executive Coach, Best Selling Author
www.MarshaPetrieSue.com Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA
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