The role of leadership in change management - Jo North

Summary

Jo North, Managing Director of The Big Bang Partnership, draws from her extensive experience in corporate leadership to discuss the key aspects of driving organizational change. She emphasizes the importance of a clear vision and understanding of the change’s benefits. North highlights the challenges of getting everyone on board, as not all employees start at the same place. She explains the 'change curve' and stresses the importance of compressing the dip phase to ensure faster adaptation. Leaders must be empathetic and understand the perspectives of others. North also touches on the need for constant change to avoid strategic drift and maintain competitiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jo North is the Managing Director of The Big Bang Partnership Limited, a consultancy focused on innovation and change.
• 😀 Jo has a background as a corporate director for organizations such as East Coast Trains, Northern Rail, and FirstGroup in the transport sector.
• 😀 A key element of successful change is ensuring people have a clear vision of the benefits and end results from the start.
• 😀 Senior leaders in organizations may see the change vision clearly, but it's important to recognize that not everyone is at the same starting point.
• 😀 People may resist change, especially if they’ve been working a certain way for a long time and have been told it was the right way to do things.
• 😀 The change curve is a common process where people initially resist, then adapt, and finally perform once they accept the change.
• 😀 To shorten the negative dip in the change curve, leaders must help people move through frustrations and concerns as quickly as possible.
• 😀 Leaders should approach change with empathy, understanding that not everyone will be on the same page as the leadership team from day one.
• 😀 Making change stick requires embedding the change, but organizations must also be ready for continuous, ongoing adjustments as the world around them changes.
• 😀 Strategic drift happens when organizations don’t keep up with changes in the market, leading to a loss of competitive edge and relevance to customers.
• 😀 To stay competitive and functional, organizations must be in a constant state of change, aligning with the evolving needs of the market.

Q & A

What is the role of Jo North in The Big Bang Partnership Limited?

Jo North is the Managing Director of The Big Bang Partnership Limited, a consultancy that focuses on innovation and change management.

What prior experience does Jo North bring to his consultancy work?

Jo North has a background as a corporate director at organizations like East Coast Trains, Northern Rail, and FirstGroup in the transport sector, giving him extensive experience in managing change.

Why is it important for an organization to have a clear vision when undergoing change?

Having a clear vision allows all individuals within the organization to understand the benefits of the change and the desired end result, which helps them align their efforts toward that outcome.

What challenge do organizations face when leadership teams are enthusiastic about change?

The challenge is that while leadership teams often have a clear and enthusiastic understanding of the change, other employees may not be on the same page and may need more time and explanation to fully grasp the vision.

What is the 'change curve' and how does it apply to organizations?

The 'change curve' describes how individuals react to change. Initially, they may experience resistance and confusion, followed by a period of adjustment, and eventually, they adapt and perform well as they accept the change.

How can leaders help organizations move through the 'dip' in the change curve?

Leaders can help by providing clear communication, empathy, and support to minimize the time spent in negative emotions like confusion and frustration, allowing the organization to adapt and move toward performance more quickly.

What is strategic drift, and why is it harmful to organizations?

Strategic drift occurs when an organization's internal processes and strategies fail to keep up with external changes in the market. This can lead to losing market share, competitive edge, and the ability to meet customer needs effectively.

What does Jo North mean by the 'stickiness' of change?

Jo North refers to the 'stickiness' of change as how embedded and sustainable the change process is within the organization. However, in a rapidly changing world, organizations must also remain flexible and ready for continuous adaptation.

How should organizations ensure they remain competitive in a constantly changing environment?

Organizations should constantly monitor both internal dynamics and external market trends, ensuring they align their strategies with market needs and avoid strategic drift by embracing change as an ongoing process.

What role does empathy play in leadership during organizational change?

Empathy helps leaders understand and appreciate the perspectives of others in the organization, recognizing that not everyone will immediately accept or understand the change. This empathy fosters support and smoother transitions during the change process.