The pace of business today requires leaders to readily adapt and willingly embrace change. Yet for many successful leaders, resisting change is one of the biggest obstacles to advancing their own careers and driving their companies forward.
Because companies and the leaders within them are often successful, that success can make it difficult to even want to change. After all, leaders usually attribute their success to what they’ve done in the past; their behaviors and choices have worked to get them where they are.
The most damaging phrase you’ll hear in your workplace when it comes to embracing change and fostering innovation is, “That’s the way it’s always been done.”
My point is this: Just because that is the way it’s always been done, does that mean it’s the right way to approach things today?
When was the last time you really questioned the strategies you’ve been taught or have been using? If you’re like most people it probably hasn’t been in quite some time.
And, you’re not alone. Most people like stay in their comfort zone, where they have proven competence and can (re)produce reliable results.
Yes, change can be scary and taking risks requires courage, but staying where you are, and resisting change can become a huge liability for you and those you lead. Ultimately, successful people become even more successful when they’re willing to make changes.
Here are a few easy-to-implement ideas to foster greater innovation in your workplace:
1. Question the status quo.
I’m encouraging you to view your workplace through a different lens. Scrutinize how things are done and why. Organizations often keep programs, processes, and even meetings in place long past their usefulness. When you find inefficiencies, take note.
2. Get your team involved.
When you have your head down busily working, it’s easy to become “blind” to the intricacies of work processes.
Tweet: When was the last time you really questioned the strategies you’ve been taught or have been using?
A great way to get employees more engaged in uncovering innovative solutions is to ask for their input and new ideas. The most creative solutions have been generated when the “rulebook” is thrown aside and employees are allowed to work on whatever they choose.
3. Make a personal commitment to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
Leaders are amazingly influential. Employees look to you to see how you behave and react to changing situations. If you’ve been in your role for more than 2 years, it’s likely time to reevaluate your own practices and try doing something differently. Commitment is a powerful thing and even small changes can reinvigorate your work and refresh the workplace.
If you’re ready to shake things up this year and learn how to approach work in a different (and, dare I say better) way then click here to download the Rulebreaker’s Guide to Managing Your Energy at Work.
