Leaders Have to Set the Stage for Change

As reported by HRI. How does a leader set the stage for organizational change that can fuel growth? Judith Glaser, president of Benchmark Communications, recommends that managers ask themselves questions in seven areas when contemplating how to build a corporate environment that embraces change:

• Are the company's communication styles open and healthy? Workers should be comfortable and skilled at interacting.
• Does the company praise positive efforts? Organizations that dwell on negatives discourage enthusiasm for growth.
• Do company leaders embrace and communicate the organizational mission? Visions for growth and positive change need champions at the top level.
• Do employees network effectively throughout the organization? Companies that silo workers may discourage the interaction needed to innovate and grow.
• Are workers mutually supportive? Employees who are encouraged to build on each others' ideas can create powerful momentum for the organization.
• Does the company culture encourage a team mindset? Companies that communicate a collaborative atmosphere encourage engagement.
• Does the corporate culture foster excitement about learning? Without a commitment to ongoing development, an organization cannot hope to create a dynamic environment that embraces change.
  (Leadership Excellence [Glaser], September 2005, pp. 7-8)