I read an article this week by Neil Smith. He is suggesting that the reason for many of our failed change projects that aim to reduce cost are focusing on the wrong thing.
Some great points made…
He makes a number of points and my take on them is….
1. Without rigour around conversation, messages get lost in assumption.
2. We mistakenly assume that we will be most respected for tackling and creating complexity, rather than simplicity.
3. Reducing complexity can reap enormous benefits, often at low cost.
4. Trust that people are capable of doing great things, and let them.
5. Be careful what you measure, and how it drives behaviour.
6. Create an environment that promotes ideas, and give people permission to dream and implement.
7. Often, complex problems have simple (and inexpensive) solutions.
I love this article, as it epitomises for me some of the requirements of the 21st century leader.
The 21st century leader
More than ever before, now and in the future, leadership is a social activity, and involves enlisting the support of a team of people in order to achieve a mutually desired outcome. A leader has to:
- connect with people
- trust people
- give people permission to reach their true potential to excel and create
- support the reduction of complexity and overwhelm
- keep the focus on the right things
- stop making assumptions
And being a 21st century leader takes a lot of courage! New leadership skills include:
- attentional intelligence
- emotional regulation and intelligence
- insight creation
- mindful non-judgement
- a deep understanding of human behaviour
- tailored approaches to complex problems
- brain-based conversation or coaching skills designed to create engagement, self-motivation, innovation and self-regulation.
Programs to support you
My programs on ‘Becoming a Neuro-Leader’ and ‘BETTER Conversations’ can assist you in developing these skills. I’d love the opportunity to chat with you to explore how we could help you be a 21st Century leader who capitalises on creating simplicity out of complexity!
Have a great day, and here is the article.
[button link=”http://unloched.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/95.06.ReduceComplexity.pdf” newwindow=”yes”] Reducing complexity[/button]
Michelle 🙂
