Change can be a moving target. When observed solely from the surface, navigating the waves of organization transition can feel like an unpredictable thrashing of human emotion that disrupts smooth sailing toward our desired objective.
But that’s really just a problem with our perception. It represents our failure to understand the deeper, more nuanced needs that often go unexpressed until roused by the anxiety that accompanies a change to the status quo.
It’s our job as change leaders to go deeper. It’s our job to resist our own temptation to respond to every outward reaction. Instead, we must listen to understand the inner needs expressed by those reactions and use our understanding to provide a patient, steady ballast that helps others face the uncertainty.
Smart change requires the perspective acquired only by going deep.
Erik Van Slyke 