Lead and be the change: Mark Mueller-Eberstein at TEDxRainier

Summary

The speaker explores the fear and resistance to change, emphasizing the importance of embracing transformation. They discuss Professor Schlossberg's transition model, which outlines stages from denial to excitement. Key strategies for leading change include having a clear vision, understanding impacts, communicating effectively, building a diverse team, and owning the change process. The talk concludes with an invitation to become agents of positive change, celebrating victories along the way.

Takeaways

• 🔄 Change is constant in life, and although it's inevitable, it often evokes fear and anxiety.
• ⚖️ People tend to focus on the risks and discomfort of change, rather than the potential opportunities it presents.
• 🔋 Moving forward from a comfortable situation requires energy and effort, which can be challenging.
• 💔 Emotional responses, such as fear and denial, can hinder individuals from embracing significant transformations.
• 📉 Professor Schlossberg’s transition model describes the emotional stages of change, from denial to fear, learning, and eventually excitement.
• 🎢 Radical change is an emotional rollercoaster, with some people getting stuck in negative emotions like fear and depression.
• 🔍 Clear vision is critical in managing change effectively, and many change initiatives fail due to lack of clarity in vision.
• 📊 Communicating both the positive and negative impacts of change is essential to alleviate fears and motivate action.
• 📢 Consistent, clear, and tailored communication helps address concerns and guide others through the emotional curve of change.
• 🤝 Building a diverse team and celebrating small victories are key strategies for leading successful transformations and keeping people engaged.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the discussion in the transcript?

The main theme of the discussion is transformation and change, including the challenges and opportunities associated with it.

Why is change often perceived as scary according to the transcript?

Change is often perceived as scary because people tend to focus on the risks rather than the opportunities, and it requires energy to move out of the comfortable status quo.

What does Professor Schlossberg's theory of transition explain?

Professor Schlossberg's theory explains the emotional roller coaster people go through when faced with radical transformation, including stages like denial, fear and anxiety, exploration, and eventually excitement and opportunity recognition.

What is the first emotional response to significant change as described in the transcript?

The first emotional response to significant change is denial, where individuals may refuse to accept that the change is happening.

What are the key components of a clear vision for transformation according to the speaker?

A clear vision for transformation should be concise, crisp, and provide a clear picture of what the transformation will look like.

Why is it important to communicate the impact of not moving forward during a transformation?

Communicating the impact of not moving forward helps address fears and concerns, and provides motivation by highlighting the negative consequences of inaction.

How should communication be tailored to different stages of the emotional curve during a transformation?

Communication should be clear, concise, and directly address the individual's current emotional state, whether they are in denial, fear, or excitement.

What role does building a diverse team play in managing transformation?

A diverse team helps in understanding the big picture, sharpening the vision, developing a better strategy and plan, and providing allies to help people at every stage of the emotional curve.

Why is it important for leaders to own the change they want to drive?

Leaders owning the change ensures they are actively leading and celebrating victories, which keeps people engaged and motivated throughout the transformation process.

What is the final advice given by the speaker to the audience regarding change?

The speaker advises the audience to become the change they want to see in the world, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities to make the world a better place.