Let’s Shake Things Up: Moving Past the Same Old, Same Old
“Every time I approve a project, I can’t help but feel like we’re playing it too safe. I can’t shake the thought that we’re capable of so much more, that our current success is only a fraction of what we could achieve.” This is the kind of thing I hear often from executives I coach who recognize they are stuck in familiar territory, and are compelled to move beyond it.
We’ve all been there, sticking to the paths we know well, keeping things smooth and steady. But here’s a little secret: smooth and steady doesn’t always mean you’re moving forward. Sometimes it means you’re operating from fear of failure and staying put in your comfort zone.
The good news is you can shake off the comfort of the status quo and navigate into the exciting, and maybe a bit intimidating, unknown. Highly effective leadership requires exploring, innovating, and discovering new horizons. It means encouraging your teams to be brave, to take risks, and to find better ways of doing things.
- Are you playing it safe, and if yes, are you ready to let that go?
- How does fear of change manifest in your leadership style and decision-making processes?
- What might unfold if you embrace the unknown with curiosity, trust, and an open heart?
7 Amare Ways to Dare to Disturb the Status Quo & Do Things Differently
1. Embrace self-awareness. Recognize and acknowledge when you resist change. Be mindful of physical or emotional signals of resistance and fear, like a change in your breathing or a hardening of beliefs. This is where a leadership coach can be extraordinarily helpful.
2. Start with no-risk changes. Engage in small, virtually risk-free changes to acclimate yourself to new ways of doing things. This could be as simple as altering a routine, such as sitting in a different chair or using a different font while typing.
3. Step into the unfamiliar with wonder. Be curious, authentic, and vulnerable to adopt a beginner’s mindset and see possibilities where others see only danger. Show that it’s okay to not have all the answers as long as you learn and evolve.
4. Cultivate a culture of courage. Foster a safe environment where your team is encouraged to voice their ideas, challenge the norms, and take bold steps in their roles, even if it means potential failure. Start with courageous conversations.
5. Get meaningful buy-in. Involve your team in high-stake decisions, ensuring that their diverse perspectives and collective intelligence are considered and that your team is invested in the bold new directions being taken.
6. Lead by example. Be the embodiment of the change you wish to see. Your actions, more than your words, will inspire your team to move beyond the status quo and navigate through new territory with resilience and optimism.
7. Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest changes and innovations within your organization. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a positive association with change.
Blend boldness with compassion and put the uplifting power of love to work as you pave the way towards a future that is not bound by the limitations of fear and the status quo. This is your journey as a leader – moving from the safe and known into a less familiar world of new possibilities, excitement, and growth.
See every step, even the uncertain ones, as part of the remarkable experience called business. As a leader, you can inspire your team to join you on this vibrant journey, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited about the new adventures ahead.
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Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote
“Are you placing enough interesting, freakish, long shot, weirdo bets?”
—Tom Peters, author In Search of Excellence
Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:
Stop Avoiding Conflict: 7 Ways Effective Leaders Have Courageous Conversations
7 Steps to First Hold People Able Before Holding Them Accountable: The Path of Amare Leadership
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