4 Stages of Leadership Transformation

4 Stages of Leadership Transformation

By Mike W Bell

When you understand the human development process it will enable you to create a sustained positive change in your leadership behaviors. This will make you more effective at meeting today's challenges.

Leaders need to recognise that the thought processes and mental models that underpin their current behavior are the result of long periods of social conditioning. For example notice how we seem to 'absorb' and comply with the unwritten rules of acceptable and unacceptable behavior in any group or organization usually without any conscious choice. Some of this conditioning supports our leadership capability and some robs us of our leadership power to truly influence what is happening around us.

Transformation of these thought processes cannot be achieved by intellect alone. Whilst many of the new qualities required of leaders make great sense at an intellectual level, this alone does not enable leaders to make sustainable changes and adopt new behaviours. There is a way of 'knowing' that creates transformative change. This old Chinese saying captures the difference: "To know and not to do is not to know."

It is vital for leaders 'unlearn' old thought processes and replace them with more powerful ones better aligned with how they choose to lead. But before any journey of transformation can take place there needs to be a gap.

The movement to transformation will involve at least four stages

1. Identify the Gap

Firstly the gap between the where the organization is and the vision or strategy it aspires to.

Secondly, the acknowledged gap between your current capability and where you aspire to be as a leader. From your aspirations you can then create a series of committed goals and intentions that will move the you towards your aspirations.

2. New Concepts, Tools, Models and Strategies

Drawing from the latest management science, evolutionary science, positive psychology, ancient wisdom and other sources, the key is to discover alternative world views. These will challenge your existing thinking and provide powerful and practical ways forward. Be aware of attempts to deny, deflect and defend against the new. If you are not confused then you are still within your comfort zone and nothing will change.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Just like developing a better serve at tennis, for example, you need to practice your new chosen thought processes and behaviors in your everyday life and work until you embody them. It's helpful if you have a coach or learning community who can support you.

4. Review, Learn, Adapt

Regular reviews will help you reflect on and learn about the progress you are making and adapt as needed to stay aligned with your aspirations and intentions.

It will help to see these stages as a cycle rather than a linear A to D plan. Once you get to stage 4 you will see new gaps that you were not able to see at stage 1 and so your transformation will spiral.

Mike W Bell has been a senior executive, leadership coach and organizational development consultant for over 30 years. For the last 15 or more of these I have been weaving an old wisdom tradition with the latest science and research to find more whole and balanced approaches to leadership and organization. My latest ebook, a modern fable entitled Leadership Intelligences in Action can be previewed at http://mutualinspiration.co.uk/leadershipintelligences/liaebook/

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