Leadership - The Biggest Barrier to Successful Change

Leading at the best of times is challenging. In themaking change. Let's face it, most people don't like
current economic climate, many businesses and thosechange. They may even go to extreme lengths to
that lead them are being challenged to an evenresist or avoid it. They will look to rationalise their
greater extent to keep delivering results.behaviours and actions by focusing on the
For many, carrying on doing the same thing is quitecircumstances. While this is all understandable, it is vital
simply no longer an option. For example, the support ofthat as a leader you:
government in the financial services industry in the UK1. Explain in very clear and simple terms the current
and just recently the car industry in the US, changessituation.
things significantly. Government and more importantly2. Outline the likely consequences for the organisation
tax payers become major stakeholders in theand individuals of doing nothing.
business in many ways. With support from3. Set out what you believe needs to happen and by
government there are generally conditions that have towhen to address the situation.
be met.4. Get support from a sufficiently large cohort of the
In most change situations, the biggest barrier is notworkforce and their representatives, where
about process or project management. It is aboutappropriate.
getting others to see the need for and importance of