A crisis can be a catalyst for Change

Happy new year and welcome to 2020. It certainly has been challenging in Australia with the worst bush fires across the country in living memory. It certainly has been a time of crisis. I hope going forward the impact of climate change, which has been incredulously denied by certain political parties will now be discussed with solution brokers coming to the table.

Crisis as a catalyst

Unfortunately sometimes it takes a crisis for change to be embraced. When the pain gets so much that something has to shift. This is very relatable when it comes to introducing change management into an organisation. Financial results (or lack thereof) become untenable for the leadership team. Projects don't deliver well, funding is cut or staff engagement results are at their lowest. All reasons for Change leadership and management to be embraced.

Leadership in times like these 

During this bush fire crisis, there have been some observations about leadership, where certain expectations on some leaders such as our Prime Minister, have not been met. In times of crisis emotions run hot and criticism (even when justified) has been rife. This is no different on a micro level when organisations go through a crisis and staff look to the Executive to step up. Interestingly leadership during times of crisis can also come from others, not just those with the title.

For example, we see Celeste Barber harnessing her popularity and authenticity to raise awareness of the crisis even before major celebrities.Because of who she is, she has raised more than anyone else I have ever seen do a call out for help. Impressive, and a reflection of the power of authenticity. Celeste shared her story which made the crisis relatable and the money came rolling in. 

The social networks are just as important

This goes to show how the social networks in organisations can also be effective. It is critical to keep an ear to the ground as to the sentiment on the front line and be aware of that in your messaging and change approach.

So when there is a crisis, be aware of the opportunity that this may present to bring to the fore a conversation that the business may not have been ready for before. And just to be clear it is not about taking advantage of the crisis, but being part of the possible solutions. I do hope that we escalate the climate change conversations in many ways in 2020. Our future depends on it.