The statement "The only constant is change" has never had so much meaning as it does right now. A paradox of our times is that the statement is becoming even more true as time progresses.

Mastering change is not difficult, just different. It's like folding your arms the opposite way to your usual practice - it feels downright uncomfortable. There's no profound reason why we fold our arms the way we do, it's just a comfortable habit. Our natural tendencies are to embrace ‘comfort', and thereby we often create problems for ourselves.

Struggling to deal with current issues while attempting to hold fast to old beliefs and practices can be uncomfortable too. One solution is evident - enlarge the scope of our present beliefs and practices so we can accommodate successfully, a more extended future.

As Leaders and Managers, we are affected not only by our own ‘restraints' but also by those of people for whom we are accountable. Our challenge is to help them grow sufficiently so that they are able to cope with the future - whatever it may bring. This is our prime mandate.

Encouraging meaningful change in others means starting from a position of reality. You cannot build safely on an incomplete foundation. The essential starting question is "What are the individual attitudes and practices that register currently as operating "Style"?

There's a Leadership / Management Impact diagnostic, in the Staying in Touch section of the Website, that you may want to review. Why not try it for yourself?

If you like what it can do for you, then invite those for whom you're responsible to attempt it. You can then build an action plan around the findings.

Good Luck!