Denise is a Global VP of SAP, a leader in coaching, leadership and talent development & council member for ICF CIO and The John Maxwell Team
getty
As leaders, more often than not we find ourselves navigating transformation and change. Typically, leaders have to manage change by implementing new elements in the midst of moving programs, people and processes.
Change is the only constant and is necessary for evolution. Leadership expert John C. Maxwell says in his book Leadershift, "You cannot be the same, think the same, and act the same if you hope to be successful in a world that does not remain the same."
Think inward first, then outward.
It takes a "leadershift"—a balance between standing back and seeing the big picture (vision) and moving in close while painting all of the fine details (execution).
Big picture thinkers think of the opportunities, not just the problems. Big picture thinkers see possibility.
Big picture leaders then take those abstract thoughts and envision strategic outcomes. They can make a plan for how to create opportunities from challenges, and outcomes that drive an organization to somewhere ahead of where it is today. Big picture leaders elevate possibilities, processes and people.
There is a need to balance the excitement of envisioning the big picture alongside the plan for how to best get that picture painted. The best leaders focus inward first and then outward. Are you leading through change or transformation right now? Or plan to in the future?
Think (and journal, if you like) about these questions:
• How are you communicating?
• How are you connecting?
• How are you shifting your mindset and your leadership?
• Are people "buying what you are selling," or
• Are people following because they have to rather than want to?
• Is the hype bigger than the plan?
• Is the plan bland, boring or overwhelming—or perhaps just unclear?
• Do people see how they fit into something not even built yet? Or how they fit into something already built by others?
People want to follow leaders. Leaders need followers who have "buy-in" and staying power, not people who are forced to "buy." When people have buy-in, they will be moved to action.
In his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell puts it this way, "If people buy into both the leader and the vision, they’ll get behind the leader. When they buy into the leader but not the vision, you’ll need a new vision, but it’s not the end of the world."
As you start to explore leading through change, the leadership questions above are really helpful to explore on your own or even better with the aid of a coach. A coach can help you resist your saboteurs and engage with your positive intelligence. A coach can also help you take your ideas and map out tangible ways to manifest them.
Have a plan of action to turn ideas into reality.
Since we are discussing big picture thinking and painting a vision, then we should, of course, include a quote from famed artist Pablo Picasso who said, "Our goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan. There is no other route to success."
As you look through your own leadership lens today, ask yourself:
• Do I have a vision?
• Is my vision attached to goals?
• Are the goals outlined with a plan that is attainable, measurable and time-driven?
• Does my vision include leading others toward the end state?
• If so, am I more focused on managing an operation or leading people?
At the core of your leadership you should be:
• Influencing
• Serving
• Supporting
• Forging the paths for a safe, fun journey for others
The process of leading well through change entails balancing the big picture, attention to the details of the plan and putting intentional focus on the care, trust, engagement, motivation and purpose for the people.
Balance your focus on the plan as much as on your people.
R. Steve McVey from Purdue University submitted thoughts on vertical and linear critical thinking skills for leaders in the Journal for Leadership Studies. He writes: "Leaders must be able to create visions, convert them into specific objectives, and achieve those objectives through the effective and efficient efforts of their followers."
This suggests that the best leaders must be thinkers first, investing time into quality critical thinking, envisioning the big picture, planning how to paint that picture and then taking action. It is time now for thinking and doing.
In summary: Change first begins with you taking actions that lead to different outcomes. Leadership is not the same as management, and people follow leaders who are big-picture thinkers and doers, who lead with a vision and by example.
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
