Going through a significant change can be a challenge for any business. Whether you’re expanding, contracting, merging or implementing new strategies or practices, leading team members through this transition calmly and with confidence will help to ensure everything goes smoothly.
One way to manage change within your organisation is to alter your leadership style. After all, if everything else in the business is on the move, why shouldn’t your approach to leadership be changeable too? So, which leadership style could be most effective during this crucial period? And which will give you, your team members and your business the best possible chance of success?
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership is widely thought to be one of the best styles for change management. When using this approach, leaders work to inspire and empower their teams by presenting a compelling vision of the future. This can help to encourage innovation within the organisation and create a sense of shared purpose among team members.
If you choose this style of leadership, you’ll need to work at building trust and fostering a culture of collaboration within your business. Trust and collaboration are essential for successful change management as, without them, your team is unlikely to pull together to achieve the transformational results you’re looking for.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership may seem like a bit of an oxymoron. But in fact, this style of leadership is very effective when it comes to change management and doesn’t impact your authority as a leader.
Servant leadership prioritises the needs and well-being of your team members above all else. If your business is going through a significant transition, adopting this style can help you to create a supportive and inclusive environment within the organisation. This can make employees less resistant to change and ensure they continue to feel valued as the company pivots towards its new direction.
A servant leadership style can work especially well when the change you’re facing has a big impact on your employees. For example, a merger, downsize or introduction of new working practices.
Democratic Leadership
Also known as participative leadership, democratic leadership focuses on involving team members in the decision-making process. This can foster a sense of ownership in the changes that are being implemented, something that can help with commitment to the transition process.
If the success of the changes your business is making relies on the understanding and dedication of your employees, using this leadership style could be very effective. You’ll need to encourage open, honest communication within your business, address employee concerns and promote collaboration in order for the approach to be successful.
Leadership Training
Honing your leadership style can help you to guide your organisation through challenging transitions and bring it out the other side stronger than ever. If you want to work on your leadership skills, and understand more about how your behaviour impacts others, leadership training could help. Get in touch with a member of our team today to find out more.
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