Leadership

Introduction

Today’s workplaces are filled with diverse groups of people; different cultures, nationalities and personalities. Within this diverse environment we deal with change very often; in the workplace and at home. Change is everywhere and is constant. People react to change differently. Some people thrive on change, some are not bothered by it, some resist it and some will be concerned with the effects, so you must be able to help prepare each individual for the different situations that change may bring.

How should the leader deal with this situation?

In dealing with this situation the leader should conduct an all hands meeting with his entire staff to let them know of his observations and his plans to make adjustments to improve services. In the book, The Leadership Pill “sharing the big picture puts everyone on the same page” (Blanchard & Muchnick, 2003).

The leader should ensure they understand that customers are not being serviced well and that change is required. Personal interviews will be performed with each manager to better understand their questions and fears, as well as assuring them of the benefits of the changes to be implemented. According to Dunn (2000), when people know what is coming whether it is good or bad they are more comfortable with change.

The leader must also explain the positive aspects of change and how this team-based, empowered organization will allow everyone to benefit from it. He must help managers understand that change is inevitable and that it must be accepted (Dunn, 2000). Managers need to be convinced that these changes will decrease their workload as well as make their team members more efficient. Thus empowering them, motivating them, making them feel important and part of a team; all characteristics set up for success.

It is often seen that a new change is not readily accepted and in many cases resisted by some employees as they fear the unknown. They fear not being able to adapt to the new changes and what this might due to their current position. Such concerns should be dealt with immediately in order to bring out such changes.

What arguments can he use to persuade his managers?

The job of a leader in a situation like the one presented herein can be very difficult. Achieving the support of all managers and supervisors in order to implement the change can be challenging. Change causes fear because the future is unknown. These managers may experience the fear of the drastic change in their job, of losing authority, etc. and therefore might not always be willing to cooperate with the leader. At this time, it is important that the leader emphasizes the benefits that these managers and the organization will obtain after such change takes place. Furthermore, in a team based and empowered organization everyone who participates can benefit. Common results are improved morale as subordinates realize they have the opportunity to participate and make decisions, and cross training as those involved get to learn different job skills and take on new responsibilities which in turn will increase their value to the organization and make them more marketable (Kricher, n.d.). All of these factors will help the organization to develop and maintain the characteristics needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing workplaces.

What can he do to help his managers change their style?

The leader must ensure that the concept of a team based organization is clearly understood by all levels