Make Change Your Superpower
Discovering the Art of Adaptive Leadership and Strategy
Navigating Change with Strategy and Systems Thinking
In a world where change is the only constant, organizations and leaders face the ongoing challenge of adapting and thriving amidst complexities. The recent episode of the Schmidt List, with host Kurt Schmidt and guests Sarah and Ashleigh, delved into how leaders can effectively navigate today's ever-shifting landscapes. These strategy and systems experts, who co-lead Mess Hill, shared valuable insights on developing adaptive leadership and fostering cultures that encourage sustainable and regenerative growth.
Understanding the Need for Change
Ashleigh opened the discussion by pointing out that while change is omnipresent, organizations often grapple with internal and external dynamics that demand new decision-making strategies. As Sarah explained, there is an evident fatigue among leaders navigating long and arduous change journeys. The fatigue goes beyond the surface level, impacting systems, staff, and leaders. Acknowledging this fatigue is the first step in fostering a sustainable way forward, where organizations are called to build their capacity for enduring change.
Strategy vs. Change Management
A critical part of the episode involved differentiating between change management and strategy. Ashleigh emphasized that the phrase “change management”” often receives “a narrow interpretation. Instead, they advocate for a broader perspective, including strategy and systems thinking. By focusing on adaptability, leaders can choreograph change, similar to how dancers create a performance, by acknowledging and working with the multiple elements that challenge the status quo.
Sarah pointed out that organizations frequently engage in the wrong conversations, such as debating remote versus in-person work, without addressing underlying strategic issues. She stressed that leaders must reflect on the why behind their work—clarifying objectives, making hard choices on what to stop, and identifying new actions to achieve their goals.
The Essence of Regeneration in Organizations
One of the standout themes discussed was the concept of regeneration. From the agricultural world, Ashleigh outlined how regeneration applies to organizational systems. Unlike merely sustaining the status quo, regenerative systems improve and become healthier over time, infusing energy and life into organizations. Organizations can support and nurture their teams by focusing on the processes that facilitate continual improvement, allowing them to thrive despite changing circumstances.
Bringing Change to Life
The episode highlighted how Sarah and Ashleigh guide organizations in recognizing and understanding diverse perspectives within teams. Their work often starts with a situation analysis—bringing a shared view of current challenges. Facilitating discussions grounded in understanding and respect, they help leaders and organizations move towards a more aligned and productive state.
Sarah and Ashleigh remind us that not all messes need to be resolved to achieve greatness. Leaders are encouraged to prioritize strategic issues while maintaining momentum. Accepting imperfection and leveraging diversity of thought can reveal new solutions and paths forward.
The Road to Reinvention
As organizations anticipate a future that may require continuous adaptation and reinvention, Sarah and Ashleigh lay out a framework that appreciates adaptability, promotes regeneration, and fosters organizational courage. By focusing on strategy, systems, and human connections, leaders can shape futures that not only navigate changes but embrace them with innovation and resilience.
Connect with Messhill
Mess Hill's website and social media channels provide Hill'sonal resources and insights into creating adaptive and thriving organizational cultures for those interested in exploring these ideas further. Sarah and Ashleigh stand ready to guide organizations through the intricate dance of change, helping them to emerge stronger and more resilient.
By incorporating these strategies into everyday practices, leaders can cultivate organizational environments that are both sustainable and invigorating—a true testament to the principles of adaptive leadership and strategic systems thinking discussed on this engaging episode of the Schmidt List.
