The only thing to focus on to become a great change leader

The answer is so simple it is often never simply stated. The key to better change leadership is YOU. How YOU respond to change, how YOU communicate change, how YOU reinforce change when your staff resist, how YOU can feel easy in a world of uneasiness when major change is afoot and consistent.

Know thyself

The ancient Greeks have been attributed to this saying. The more you know yourself, the easier it is to grow into being a better leader in general and change leader. The more you will be able to communicate authentically and who doesn't like that in their Manager or leader?

The power of emotional regulation

If you communicate confidently and consistently, it makes you a better change leader. This takes emotional regulation to maintain consistency, especially if you have staff who don't deal with change well. Being able to be consistent and supportive takes emotional regulation from you as an individual so you aren't reacting to resistance or even worse being too emotive when communicating with your team.

Become a translator

A strong change leader is a good translator. They first talk about the why and then cover the 'what'. This is then translated into simple messages about the impact for your team. It is a skill to develop and that can take time to develop. Simon Sinek is one of the best teachers when it comes to the why.

Ask questions and listen

To be a good change leader you also need to understand when to talk and when to listen. The power of asking questions, checking in with how all of your team are feeling is important. Understanding your own change process will help with this. Listen and change your method of communication depending on how your team is receiving the change.

So remember the starting point is obvious. It is with YOU. Start to develop a deeper sense of self and you will become a better leader without a doubt.