By Isabelle LaCroix Vienneau
Let’s Peek Into Your Blind Spots: 5 Essential Secrets To Amplify Modern Leadership and Shift Organizational Change Into High Gear.
Courtesy: CNN
Remember Blockbuster? The giant that once dominated movie rentals—but failed to reinvent and subsequently collapsed. Now, imagine that scenario on an organizational scale. Today, that's the kind of evolution we're dealing with (and then some).
Organizational “change" and "leadership" are two terms often veiled in buzzwords like 'transformational'. In this article, we dive deep, to uncover the raw forces that anchor organizations in times of change and what you can do to steer the ship in the winning direction.
The World's Speeding Up—Are You Onboard?
Since 2017, global disruptions have increased by 200%—a major escalation from the 4% growth between 2011-2016. If you're grappling with McKinsey's call for resilience, HBR's focus on talent, and Forbes's emphasis on digital leaps, you're not alone.
Founders Feeling the Pulse? Yep, It’s Racing!
Courtesy: Pinterest
At the helm of entrepreneurial ships, have you paused to feel the organizational pulse? I have, and it's not promising. Emotional tugs of war are consuming both productivity and morale.
The Troubling Reality?
77% of employees feel disengaged.
75% of transformational efforts fail.
Disengagement costs the global economy an estimated $8.8 trillion.
Only 29% take pride in their achievements.
A mere 23% believe we’re fulfilling customer commitments.
The Untold Secrets—Time For a Deep Dive
Secret #1: The "Victim Trap" Mindset
Courtesy: Pinterest
We're discussing a pervasive problem here—where blame and emotional turmoil dominate organizations.
Understanding the "Victim Trap" Mindset
This isn't just gossip; it's a real dilemma and many people don't even see they're caught in it. This mindset can and will grab a hold of even the best people, and if you’re not careful, it can quickly take over your entire organization.
The signs? People point fingers instead of finding solutions, get stuck in a rut, constantly focus on the problems, avoid their duties, turn work into a daily drama series, wallow in self-pity, and the list goes on. Project stagnation, and even failure? You bet!
Secret #2: The Revolution of Reinvention
As Dr. Nadya Zhexembeyeva, known as the “Queen of Reinvention”, succinctly outlines: Reinvention is a mindset, method, and movement all rolled into one.
“In today’s volatile world of extreme speed and relentless turbulence, future-proofing and safeguarding your organization, your life, and your career CANNOT be a one-time project. The only way to survive and thrive is to build a SYSTEM of embracing change and turning it into your competitive advantage. It is this system that we call reinvention."
The global reinvention movement does not compete with any schools of thought - but rather builds bridges between them. We take the latest, most relevant tools and techniques - and help create the perfect cocktail of methodologies at the right time, including such schools of thought as Strategy, Foresight, Design Thinking, Innovation, Agile/Scrum, Change Management, and many others. And it all focuses on one central goal - to increase the level of life in a system, whether that system is your career, team, business unit, the entire organization, or a larger community.
- Dr. Nadya Zhexembeyeva
Here's why global figures endorse it:
Courtesy: The World Economic Forum
⭐ Barbara Martin Coppola, former Chief Digital Officer at IKEA:
“We are reinventing IKEA for the future, no less than that.”
Courtesy: Business Insider
⭐ Reed Hastings, Netflix Chairman and author of “Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention”:
“Companies rarely die from moving too fast, and they frequently die from moving too slowly.”
Courtesy: BBC
⭐ Yuval Noah Harari, historian and author of “Sapiens”:
“Forget programming - the best skill to teach children is reinvention.”
Reflections:
When did you last feel truly ready for change?
Can you spot "victim trap" tendencies within your team?
Are you merely reacting to change or actually driving it?
Wouldn’t it be empowering to have tools that diagnose your organizational readiness and mindset pitfalls?
Secret #3: Resistance is Emotional and Mindset Driven—Tackle It The Same Way
Courtesy: Pinterest
Lesson #1: From "Tough Love" To "Bold Love"
Leadership is undergoing a human-centric upgrade. It's no longer just about setting rules and assigning tasks. Today's leaders champion inclusivity, prioritize well-being, and recognize that success is about the journey, not just the destination.
Lesson #2: The Titanic Syndrome Diagnostic Tool
Curated by the “Queen of Reinvention”, this tool acts as your compass through the tricky terrains of organizational change:
Anticipating Change: Spot early signs and adjust before the situation intensifies.
Designing Change: Plan strategically, considering both internal objectives and external influences.
Implementing Change: Seamlessly move from strategizing to executing. The Rewards?
Lead Proactively: Always be two steps ahead.
Make Pivotal Decisions: Guide changes purposefully.
Ensure Daily Flexibility: Make change a part of everyday life, not an occasional endeavor.
Lesson #3: ILV Consulting’s Experimental Approach to Mindset Resilience
Inspired by the concepts of Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva's Titanic Syndrome Diagnostic Tool …
Developed and tailored by ILV Consulting, this tool offers a specialized approach to strengthening one's emotional and mindset resilience:
Anticipating the Victim Trap: Detect early indicators of a victim mentality and its potential consequences.
Designing a Victim-Trap-Free Mindset: Strategize on transforming challenges into opportunities.
Implementing a Victim-Trap-Free Mindset: Consistently apply and incorporate a proactive attitude in daily tasks and obstacles.
And The Benefits?
Heighten Awareness: Recognize the underlying reasons for your mindset and its broader effects.
Make Empowered Decisions: Understand that your mindset can dictate outcomes.
Enhance Team Resilience: Create an ambiance where challenges are met head-on, leading to a motivated and effective team.
Promote Steady Growth: Integrate adaptability and introspection into your day-to-day, not just during difficult times.
Lesson #4: Navigating Change With Finesse: The STELLAR Approach To Agile Strategy
In the dynamic and unpredictable world of business, it often feels as though we're venturing through an intricate labyrinth blindfolded. Enter the STELLAR Strategy Model—Reinvention Tool #9 — a compass that champions flexibility and promotes continuous recalibration.
STELLAR: Your Roadmap For Strategic Reinvention
Starting Position (ST): Your current status quo, the platform for forthcoming ventures.
End Position (E): Your coveted future state or objective.
Lessons and Limits (LL): Reflect on past endeavours. What boundaries and insights have sculpted your path? Let them guide you, not restrict you.
Actions (A): Envision the tangible steps bridging your present and future. Be agile, adapting as necessary.
Reviews (R): Regularly assess and adjust your course, ensuring alignment with overarching goals.
Lesson #5: Who's Riding Shotgun? Evaluating Your Inner Circle
Your strategy may be impeccable, but an unsupportive inner circle can undercut your ambitions. It's crucial to discern the true nature of those who closely influence your journey.
The Straight-Talk Checklist:
Identify Your Top 7: These are your core influencers.
Impact Gauge: Categorize each as Supportive (S), Neutral (N), or Toxic (T) concerning your reinvention ambitions.
Action Plan: Strategically cultivate these relationships. Whether collaborating, fostering open dialogue, or taking a step back, each interaction must align with your larger vision.
Embarking on this introspective journey may be challenging and uncomfortable, but it's pivotal. Ensuring that both your strategic outlook and personal influencers align with your goals primes you for success. Furthermore, it solidifies a path that's resilient, clear, and driven by momentum.
Secret #4: The Power of Community Integration
Courtesy: Pinterest
One cannot understate the importance of integrating communities within organizations. Consider the groups people join on platforms like LinkedIn. Organizations must adopt this approach of fostering communities internally to start to truly resonate with (and engage) their workforce.
By crafting safe environments, instigating cultural revolutions, and empowering individuals with tools beneficial both professionally and personally, organizations can harness the true essence of reinvention. These tools, adaptable and customizable, allow employees to shape their narratives and future journeys. A contented personal life tends to naturally translate to a healthy work environment.
Specific communities represent diverse segments of society. They provide hope, reminding everyone that no matter the depths of one's struggles, there's always potential to shine individually—and in unity.
Integrating these communities is no minor task. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, consider the alternative: How is the absence of such initiatives affecting your organization and our world today? The "The Troubling Reality" section earlier casts a revealing light on this very gap!
The Ripple Effect: Organizational Flourishing and Societal Transformation
Courtesy: Pinterest
When an organization takes decisive steps towards inclusivity, active community engagement, and strategic reinvention, the benefits are twofold. Internally, you'll observe a more vibrant and resilient organizational culture, characterized by increased trust, creativity, and collaboration. Employees feel valued, leading to enhanced motivation and reduced turnover.
But beyond the confines of your organization, these steps catalyze profound societal impacts. As businesses model inclusivity and progressive strategies, they set benchmarks for others to emulate. This ripple effect influences industry standards, reshapes consumer expectations, and even impacts legislative considerations.
Furthermore:
Economic Growth: A diverse and inclusive workforce can tap into varied markets and cater to diverse customer needs, driving innovation and expanding market reach.
Community Strengthening: As organizations support communities, they indirectly bolster local and global initiatives, promote community well-being and foster unity.
Talent Attraction: Progressive companies attract the brightest minds, ensuring a continuous influx of creative ideas and progressive results.
Regardless of your company's size, industry, or stage, there are fundamental strategies and insights that universally apply. If, by the end of this article, you're struggling to find hope or a clear path forward, I urge you to reach out. I guarantee that I can pinpoint game-changing opportunities where you might currently see none.
By championing these changes, not only will your organization flourish, but you'll also be sparking a more expansive shift. The global community will take notice, and in due time, many will adopt similar transformative measures. In our interconnected world, the innovative actions of one entity can be the catalyst for widespread change.
Secret #5: Think Your Employee Surveys Nail Engagement? Think Again.
Courtesy: Pinterest
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the Employee Satisfaction Surveys you send out are the gold standard for measuring engagement. But are you just checking boxes—or truly connecting?
Classic questions like "Are you satisfied at [Company Name]?", "Do you feel equipped for success?", and "Are our mission and values clear to you?" may give you a cursory glance at the organizational climate. But let's be real: Are they piercing the fog of workplace complexities?
A Fresh Take on Employee Engagement:
Instead of vague inquiries that often lead to platitudes, why not transform the dialogue? Rather than the one-sided questioning, invite an exchange:
Executives to Frontline: "What's unfolding in your world that we should prioritize?"
This isn't merely a question; it's an open invitation to discuss what actually matters.
P.S. Remember: Selecting measures of success is crucial, but they should drive both the desired results and the desired behaviours. The metrics we use shape actions, and the actions shape the organization. Choose wisely!
More Questions That Foster Genuine Dialogue:
- "What's happening on the frontline that should be on our radar?"
- "What aspects of our work environment deserve more executive attention?"
- "Are there opportunities for professional growth that are being overlooked?"
Why it Matters:
By reframing how we engage with our employees, we go beyond shallow metrics to meaningful dialogues. That's the way to not just get feedback but also act upon it in a manner that makes employees feel genuinely seen and heard.
So, are you ready to ditch the standard survey for something that actually works to put employee engagement in high gear? It's not just about your team; it's about catalyzing a broader transformation. Your moves can set the tone for an industry-wide shift!
Your Next Move: The Unmissable ILV & Pioneers Bootcamp Experience
Why Stay in Neutral When You Can Turbocharge Your Future?
Let’s embark on a pioneering journey together—an "Experimental Bootcamp" that’s tailored just for you. We navigate the blind spots, adapt, overcome, learn valuable lessons, and boost results to not only transform your organization—but also to fortify the ILV & Pioneers Bootcamp, benefiting future organizations and revolutionizing our approach to modern work challenges across the globe.
What’s In The ILV & Pioneers Bootcamp Treasure Chest?
Empowered Employees: Your team will be emotionally charged and productive.
Custom Plan: Tailored strategies that get to the heart of your organization.
Future-Ready Leadership: We’re setting you up for long-term success.
Ignite Your Team: Harness emotional intelligence and intentionally re-wire mindsets for a supercharged, purpose-driven workforce.
Early Adopter Perks: Special bonuses for our early sign-ups.
Skill Upgrades: We’re raising the bar on capabilities at all levels.
Enhanced Connectivity: Improved communication across your organization.
Why Choose ILV Consulting?
Hands-On: Embedded within your teams.
Unified Approach: Alignment from the C-Suite down to the front lines.
Employee Voice: Our agile feedback loop drives internal and external excellence.
Ripple Effect: Get it right inside, and the benefits will be realized outside too.
Powerful Diagnostic Tools: Titanic Syndrome Test & Victim-Trap Clarity Tool to understand where you are; and where you need to go.
Reinvention Method: Adapting to the pace of change, turning disruption into opportunity.
So, are you ready to turbocharge your organization and blaze a new trail?
The choice is simple: Dive in now—or wish you had—in 2024. What's it going to be?
APPLY HERE: https://ilvconsulting.com/bootcamp
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Isabelle LaCroix Vienneau
Founder of ILV Consulting & Chief Reinvention Officer
Blindspot Revealer for Executives | Spotlight on Productivity Barriers | Modern Organizational Change, Leadership, & Engagement Mentor
Isabelle LaCroix Vienneau is not your typical workplace coach—she's the lifeline every executive needs. Having recently founded ILV Consulting, Isabelle’s true superpowers lie in her two decades spent directly within the heart of employee dynamics.
While you're up top, steering the corporate ship with commitment, Isabelle has been elbows deep, tuning into the "on the ground" vibes—and where those vibes went wrong—in today’s workplaces. The undercurrents? Emotional tugs-of-war (what Isabelle labels “The Victim Traps”) eat away at productivity, paralyze your stars, and—unchecked—it's an infection in your teams.
As a Certified Reinvention Practitioner, Isabelle’s philosophy is unmistakable: "You must do the work—and provide emotional solutions to emotional challenges". Isabelle is an influential bold force in the Boardroom. Isabelle isn't just in the executive ranks; she's the game-changer that invigorates them. On the home front, Isabelle masterfully co-parents 6 unique kids (5 with ADHD).
Download YOUR ILV Starter Reinvention Workbook Now!
Sources Mentioned:
Reinvention Academy: https://www.learn2reinvent.com
Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/home.aspx
Accenture: https://www.accenture.com/ca-en
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