We are living through a time of unprecedented global change — in technology, politics, society, the economy, and of course in the environment. Ten years ago most of these changes were barely on our radar. Now they are the new ‘normal’.
We can’t predict exactly what is going to happen, where, or when. All we know for certain is that the rate of change is still increasing. And as a result the world is becoming ever more complex and unpredictable, rather than less.
In the face of this accelerating rate of change, we need a new approach to leadership. One that expects the unexpected and enables us to remain centred and grounded no matter what happens. We need a new approach to leadership that enables us to make clear sense of confusing situations quickly and to find more options to move forward. And we need a new approach to leadership that enables us to confidently take decisions even when we have little or no information about what is happening or how things are going to turn out.
Most of all, we need a new approach to leadership that inspires us to long to make our chosen way forward happen. Because in a time of massive change, this not only shows us the right direction to move in but also brings us the energy and enthusiasm we need to make it happen.
Learning this new approach to leadership will make us clearer about what matters most and more able to put that into practice. It will enable us to use this time of change to become stronger and more valuable: antifragile. And once we have learned to do that, then we will discover that this time of Churning is actually a transition to something better.
Over the next six months, do you expect the rate of change in your life to increase or decrease? What steps are you taking to prepare for that?
Adapted from Inner Leadership: a framework and tools for building inspiration in times of change.
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