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 these changes were barely on our radar. Now they are ‘the new normal’.
We can’t predict exactly what is going to happen when. But we do know that the rate of change is still increasing. And so the world is still becoming more complex and unpredictable, not less so.
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 way of leading ourselves and others that enables us to make clear sense of confusing situations quickly and find more options to move forward. We need a new approach to leadership that enables us to take decisions confidently, 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 that will not only show us the best direction to move in but will also bring us the energy and enthusiasm needed to make it happen.
Following this new approach will make us clearer about what matters most to us and more able to achieve it. It will enable us to use this time of change to become stronger and more valuable, antifragile. And then, once we have achieved that, then we will understand how 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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