Managing organizational change: The ultimate test of leadership

Successful leaders who thrive during challenging times consistently demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to move their business in a new direction when necessary. Researchers have long known that in turbulent markets, individuals and organizations that are nimble will not only survive, but thrive. In fact, the key to sustainability and maintaining excellence is to be agile and embrace change.

However, many employees are resistant to organizational change, which often prevents business leaders from successfully implementing any comprehensive company-wide transformations. For some people change is exciting, while for others it creates a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. This is especially true when modifications in thinking or learning new behaviors are required, forcing an individual to get out of his or her “comfort zone.”

Assessing responses to change
The ultimate test of leadership during this process is the ability to demonstrate a delicate balance between the clarity of your vision for the company and sensitivity to the personal impact these changes will have on your employees. Researchers in the change-management field have identified how people respond to workplace change both in groups and as individuals.