CHANGE is in inevitable and the best we can do as humanity is to brace up for it and use it to our best advantage. The worst mistake we can make for ourselves is to think that change will never come. By so doing, we could be hindering growth and crippling the future.
REPORT BY JONAH NYONI
In any year, one thing that we are assured of is that winter will come and our unpreparedness for it does not stop it from coming. So is any other season. This is true of every leadership position. We aspire – especially young people – to go up the ladders of leadership, but one thing that does not cross our mind is that there is need for change in the modus operandi, perception and even in the person himself.
Generally, if we do not want to change, we could be depending on old ideas to confront new challenges. It would be close to being insane to try and cure new sickness with old medication. This is what some institutes have done to their detriment and dormancy.
There was once a time when typewriters were famous, but when computers came on stage, typewriters become obsolete. The best life lesson is that if we don’t want to embrace change we become obsolete and irrelevant. On the other hand, those who welcome change and are fortunate enough to be the pioneers of change, find themselves greatly rewarded.
It is when preparation meets opportunity that success is made certain! Eric Hoffer once said: “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
Enemies of leadership change!
Resistance: Warren Benis in his book called On Becoming a Leader (1989:172) affirms, “Resisting change is as futile as resisting weather . . .” Leadership that is stuck to tradition has led some institutions to bankruptcy.
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Fear: Some leaders fear to give up power, take risks, be challenged and even inquire from those who could know better, but of a lower rank.
Not growing and grooming other people into leadership: The sure way of leaving a legacy and increased positive results is to inspire, train and grow more leaders.
Not planning the exit strategy: Passing the baton is important if an organisation is to survive after one’s death. Vision should not be limited to one’s own lifetime and to perpetuate it, one has to impart it to others.
Lack of enthusiasm and curiosity: You should be enthused to see change not only in you, but in others you lead. Appreciate and reward those that are instrumental in the change of the organisation.
Stopping to learn: A best leader is an avid reader. To stop learning is simply to stop growing.
Knowing it all: There are some leaders who “know-it-all”. It’s like there is nothing new to them. At times you need to seek for help and seek advice from others.
In my new book, The Big You, I have created an acronym out of the word CHANGE and it can help you to brace up for change: C – Challenge your old traits/thoughts.
H – Harness new inventions.
A – Acquire new ideas everyday.
N – Navigate in virgin territoriesand be a leader of change.
G – Gear up for greater risks.
E – Exceed set norms and breakrecords.
Parting point: Harold Wilson once said: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” Life without change, specifically in leadership, is boring. The crown can never be given to those who stick with the crowd, but those who are willing to change and lead others into a fruitful and fulfilling future ahead! Sunday Reflections
Prayer for travellers
Almighty and everlasting God, you are the Shelter of all those who put their trust in thee.
For you are the Creator of all and preserver of mankind.
You are the father of all mercies and giver of all safety. Defend us from all accidents and dangers of the road. As our Shepherd stretch thy majesty’s right hand to defend us against accidents along the way. Give thy Holy Angels charge over us and keep us safety under your wings.
Grant that as your Holy Angels always serve you in heaven, they may help and defend us on earth. O’eternal Father we beseech of thy boundless mercy and by the life and passion of Christ. Guide us in our journey with your gracious favour.
Let thy merciful kindness be our comfort and keep us under thy guidance and protection. Be thy our vision and wisdom cause us to rejoice in your loving care through Jesus Christ our Redeemer whom you sent to be the great Shepherd of your flock. Oh Lord our Sanctifier in you we take refuge and put our trust in thee, have mercy upon us and hearken unto our prayers… In Jesus mighty name we prayer DP Mahlaba mahlabapd @gmail.com
