I love this quote: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” President John F. Kennedy.

As leaders, we are influencers of events and people. Yes, we are known as CHANGE AGENTS. We don’t need more room in our house for the status quo. This must be the mantra of every leader today.

As a leader, you must promote continuous creativity, innovation, and improved performance as part of your STANDARD OPERATING PLAN (SOP). Here is the challenge: Most people rarely welcome change. They are comfortable with the status quo. The bottom line is that leaders were created to turn the status quo upside down and bring positive change.

So, how do we affect the change we need? What are the strategies we need to do? Here are a few I have found helpful:

  • Take a prominent role in the change initiative. Be the person leading the change.
  • Set the goals and challenge the team to stretch.
  • Please stress realistic expectations: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
  • Please be sure to have a solid inner circle aligned with you and help carry the message of the why.
  • Be sure the why is communicated.
  • Be sure you communicate, “What’s in it for me?”

Remember, change is challenging, and there will be resistance. The most important thing is to be prepared. There is no excuse for a lack of preparation.

Put yourself in your team’s shoes: what are they thinking, what are they feeling? Ask yourself what you would want to hear if you were them. It is always best to be real, authentic, passionate, and speak from the heart.