I was having a conversation recently with a client about the power of anticipation; its risks and rewards. If you’ve had staff that have developed a reputation for being negative, moaning about changing or plain pessimistic, it’s reasonable you’d find it disappointing and frustrating.
You might be one of these Leaders, moving quickly, stumbling straight into unconscious bias and slap bang into resistance.
In a fleeting moment Resistance gives you TWO options:
Door One: Resistance that frustrates progress, erodes culture and drains you of energy.
Door Two: Resistance that provides opportunity for you to lead through the tension, grow in your capability, and dare to believe for the best in every situation.
The Risk and Reward of Anticipation
The next time you’re into the swing of a change process, delivering direction or negotiating, DECIDE beforehand how you will ANTICIPATE resistance. Wise Leaders think about what they’re thinking about, pursuing wisdom and developing their understanding of themselves – and others.
Make’s me all kinds of happy when Leaders do this. There’s great strength in being intentional and anticipating through faith in yourself AND your team
DOOR 1: your heart rate will change, you’ll be expecting a negative response from the other party/ies and you’ll be giving off all these tense vibes (not so technical word lol), and that’s what you’ll attract.
- negativity
- push back
- fear
- uncertainty
- time delays
- economic impact
- poor reputation management
- erosion of culture via gossiping
- and all kinds of weird irrational responses from one or two problem-generators
If, however, you anticipate DOOR 2: then you’ll walk in expecting the best, geared with positive self-talk, aware that it may not be smooth sailing, but hey, “we got this people!” you’ll be:
- honouring your stakeholders with truth
- naming the elephant in the room
- articulating the change and situations they may encounter, providing them with options of their own to work the plan and embrace the vision, values
- equipping them with key phrases
- challenging them to develop their critical thinking skills
- developing internal leaders that have increased confidence, assertiveness and capability
The leaders that choose to walk through DOOR 2 on a regular basis, well they’re happier leaders, they know when to make the minor adjustments guarding against being emotionally hijacked, and confidently lead their teams according to company values and clever thinking.
Emotional Intelligence
Learning more about how we think empowers us as Leaders. recognising the impact of fatigue and stress on our cognitive function as it bubbles up out of our mouth, spilling out onto the relationships in our world is now a moral imperative. Too often, people have a short fuse or are bound up by fear and bias – conscious or unconscious, and don’t stop to think about what they’re thinking about. That’s a mistake.
Grab this key resource to enhance your thinking and how you anticipate communications
bit.ly/TarranBooks-EmotionalIntelligenceEbook
Ideally as Leaders you’ll be creating a safe environment to have robust conversations that promote accountability, anticipating people will walk with you, towards a shared vision. And, for those whose path may lay in a different direction, they may create a door of their own, or through due diligence and genuine care…. you may just have to show them another kind of door….
And yet, imagine if we were rewarded with the best fitting people for the role and the season of the business, simply because we thought twice about how we anticipate reactions.
With experience and wisdom, you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively, manage your own thinking and practice the power of positive anticipation.
That would indeed be a just reward.
Shall we become a little wiser, a little less ready to be offended, and a whole lot more inclined to believe the best in others? I think that makes life a whole new level of lovely.” Tarran Deane
About Tarran Deane & Corporate Cinderella Leadership Development Company
We work with leaders and business owners across diverse sector to increase capability, confidence and competence, deepening connection and commercial success for our clients.
Tarran is our mighty leader and we’re inspired by her passion for people and the power of connection. Everything she does is intentional – except when big dogs come up to her Jack Russell, then her alter ego is at risk of coming out.
Everyday, consistent efforts will enhance your outcomes and give you a greater sense of joy.
This is a leadership lifestyle. Not a quick fix.
Grab your copy of her eBook right here >>> bit.ly/TarranBooks-EmotionalIntelligenceEbook
To Learn More About Working with Tarran Visit:
- Training Courses – Click Here
- Leadership Programs – Click Here
- Executive Advisory & Change Consulting – Click Here
- Conference Speaking – Click Here
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