Leadership

Leadership Development and Times of Transition By: Sylvia Lafair

22 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 Last week as I went through airport security, waiting for my husband who was getting the grand pat down for the zillionth time since his hip replacement operation eighteen months ago, I was musing about how we normalize the abnormal.

Going through security, checking for vials or sharp objects, or whatever, is now a common way of life. Does anyone remember when we could actually greet someone right at the airplane gate? Yup, just walk right in and be there to give a hug as soon as they left the plane.

Ah, those were the good old days. No more. The big question for leaders today is how do we help ourselves and our employees survive and prosper in the constant chaotic environment that is called the modern day world? This time calls for leaders who know how to surf. Okay, not ready for the big waves in Maui? For landlovers the metaphor is really enough. So, everyone ready for surfing?

Here is what you need to remember: If you fall behind the wave of change, or if you misjudge it, you sink. No exhilarating ride on the crest of the wave, just lots of salt water in nose and mouth. Okay, start again. Think smart. Now you sense the direction of the wave of change and move to get ahead of it. Ooops, that may hurt as you struggle to come up for air, followed by the onslaught of water that was right at your back.

The present combination of economic factors that keep much of the population unemployed, as well as the excessive degree of polarization around ethical and religious issues makes us a house divided, morning, noon, and night.

Leaders, listen. We did not come through so many great achievements in society by only focusing on negative conditions, but rather from an entrepreneurial response to a vision of what is yet possible.

Leaders, we need you to speak up and speak loudly. The old view emphasized separateness, “stuff ”, and competition as the ways of the world. What if work once again became a place where there would be fulfillment and growth? What if leaders required that their companies promote integrity, creativity, trust and cooperation and develop ways to encourage and compensate those who want to be part of a larger experiment that one for self-aggrandizement? Leaders, we need you to ask open-ended questions and listen to employees’ responses. You will find that past the fear of “it’s all about me, it’s all about survival” people want the feeling of belonging, of being useful.

Leaders we need you to rethink priorities. Helping your employees become self-aware is one of the best bonuses you can give, more vital than extra money. In “Don’t Bring it to Work” there is an outline of what you can do to find the way OUT of disturbing and disappointing relationships at work and at home.

It is the old, ingrained behavior patterns that keep us stuck in the past, with outmoded beliefs of what makes the world go round. This century is the time to say NO to the small, childish world of polarities, of good/bad; right/wrong; yes/no.

Leaders, we need you to teach leadership to your entire company. It is not just a function of the person “on top”. Thinking about the whole system, leadership can be contributed from anywhere in the organization. If enough leaders begin to envision work as a place for self-development, growth, and productivity honoring the whole human being, not just the “ka-ching” part of the person, well, miracles can happen. The challenge is developing the willingness to change, to let go of the familiar and experiment with dialogues in your offices, to listen to all levels of employees and get support and guidance.

No, we can’t go back to what many of us see as a simpler time. We can, however, help create the future rather than be at the effect of changes that denigrate the dignity of the human spirit. It’s about you, it’s about me, it’s about time!— About the author Dr. Sylvia Lafair, Author, Leadership Educator, Executive Coach for over 30 years is an authority on leadership and workplace relationships. She is President of Creative Energy Options, Inc. Visit http:// www.ceoptions.com and http:// www.sylvialafair.com .