How to Overcome Resistance to Change

HOW THE RESILIENT LEADER ACTS TO INSPIRE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE



In the process of organizational change, there are two dominant leadership styles. The first is transactional, and the second is transformational. In this chapter, we discuss the difference between the two, the advantages and challenges of transformational leadership, and why one cannot exist without the other. What is transactional leadership? Transactional leadership is concerned with ensuring that assigned tasks are completed. It’s about daily work functions, and ensuring a seamless switch from one process to another. Transactional leaders are generally unconcerned about the future vision, but instead focus on set targets. They are exceptional at creating frameworks, formulating policies, and implementing procedures to move an organization from A to B. To make change that lasts, a leader needs to engage people in the project. Transactional leadership doesn’t do this. It doesn’t encourage people to embrace the new corporate culture, beliefs, and values. It doesn’t influence people to change, but instead obliges them to. What is transformational leadership? The transformational leader is a resilient, inspirational figurehead. When he or she talks, they immediately engage their audience. They motivate their people, providing the impetus for organizational (and personal) change. They consider that building cohesive teams in a collaborative environment provides the best framework for ongoing change success. A transformational leader concentrates on the big picture:

Team building



Alignment of goals, values, and beliefs



Corporate culture

 The importance of empowering employees Transformational leaders create vision, build teams, and model required behaviors. They employ effective communication techniques to motivate and encourage collaboration. They identify and nurture talent, providing mentorship, coaching and training to develop today’s executives into tomorrow’s leaders. Advantages and challenges of transformational leadership Transformational leaders inspire a workforce. They provide vision, and encourage the creativity and innovation needed when problem-solving. In addition, transformational leadership empowers employees to take responsibility for their own personal growth. Potential leaders come to the fore.

13

www.primeast.com/us T: +1 609 642 8821 (USA) | +44 (0) 1423 531083 (EMEA/ASIAPAC)