Managing change effectively requires leaders to think and act differently. This process is energy-intensive, and energy—along with enthusiasm—is a critical resource for leadership. Lex Sisney, in his book Designed to Scale: How to Structure Your Company for Exponential Growth, uses physics and systems theory to explain how organisations must both respond to and shape change to ensure optimal performance. His Adaptive Systems Model categorises behaviours as either reactive (responding to change) or proactive (shaping change).
Leaders carry the weight of ensuring their organisations remain profitable and successful. This responsibility can be both inspiring and overwhelming. It raises a key question: how do CEOs manage change effectively while maintaining their own capacity and engagement? In light of Sisney’s Adaptive Systems Model, we must ask: how can CEOs balance responding to change with actively shaping it?
Adaptability: A Core Leadership Capability
Adaptability is the ability to make sense of change and respond in ways that are appropriate and effective. Leaders must understand their own tendencies to respond to or shape change, as both are necessary for success. Knowing when to respond—and equally important, when not to—is a valuable skill. Executives, however, are often expected to respond to most, if not all, aspects of the business. Yet, in many cases, shaping—leading change rather than merely reacting to it—can be the most effective approach.
Shaping involves taking deliberate action to influence outcomes, setting standards, and creating new norms. It is proactive behaviour that can drive innovation and exponential growth through change. While responding allows leaders to leverage existing strengths and proven strategies, shaping has the potential to redefine how change occurs, positioning the organisation to thrive in dynamic environments.
Sustaining Leadership Energy and Engagement
For CEOs to stay engaged, inspire their teams, and build trust, they must operate from a foundation of self-trust and maintain healthy energy levels. Leading through complexity is a continuous challenge, and the risk of burnout or disengagement is real. So, how can leaders manage constant change without succumbing to these pressures?
The first step is self-awareness. Leaders must pause to reflect: Where are you right now? What are you thinking? What are you feeling? Awareness of one’s internal state, followed by a period of reflection, often leads to greater insight. Many leaders are naturally inclined to focus on the future—identifying opportunities and envisioning new possibilities. However, understanding the present, both mentally and emotionally, is crucial for making informed and insightful decisions.
Once you’ve gained awareness, trust yourself to confront discomfort, challenges, or perceived weaknesses. Instead of passing judgment, simply make sense of your current situation. From this grounded perspective, you can then respond with clarity. Address what is, and only then look for ways to shape the future. Leading from a place of self-trust empowers leaders to influence change, inspire creative thinking, and foster a culture of innovation within their teams.
Creating Space to Thrive
Leaders need time to recharge. It’s essential to reflect on your personal habits and default responses to change. Consider one area where you can move from merely responding to shaping an outcome that will benefit you personally. Commit to this change, and it will not only enhance your sense of control but also positively impact your team.
By continuously balancing responsive and shaping behaviours, leaders can cultivate a healthier, more sustainable approach to managing change. This, in turn, drives greater success for both themselves and their organisations.
Final Thoughts
Change is inevitable, but how leaders respond to it defines the future of their organisations. With the right mindset, adaptability, and self-awareness, leaders can not only navigate change effectively but also shape it to their advantage. This approach fosters engagement, trust, and innovation, allowing organisations to thrive in a world of constant transformation.
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