When it's Time to Shift...

Strategy shifting. Two words no leader ever really wants to utter. Sometimes, however, it becomes necessary. These shifts can easily make or break a company. It is imperative, therefore, the short-term strategies be aligned with the larger company vision.

Ron Ashkenas, co-author of HBR’s Leadership Handbook, has some fantastic advice on how to pull off this kind of move. Ashkenas approaches these kinds of shifts in terms of how companies translate their vision into action. So often, what is perceived as a short-term strategy shift can lead away from company vision in an effort to cut costs, appease shareholders, etc.

His new article not only goes into detailed examples on both sides of the make-or-break spectrum, but it also lays out actionable steps to take to get your own company’s vision in line. Check out his advice, take the quiz, and see if your own company’s vision can pass the test.

The Leader and The Spiral

We’ve all been in group situations when it’s uncomfortable to speak up about one’s opinion.  Much of this is due to group dynamics (i.e. being separated from a group we value, the perceived risk of losing a job or other forms of risk).  A recap of research on this phenomenon suggest that “The only time someone will feel safe to voice a divergent opinion is if they think the group will share it or be accepting of divergence, or if they view the consequences of rejection as low.” But this biological drive doesn’t just dictate how individuals behave—it ends up shaping communities.   It’s almost impossible for us to step outside of that need for acceptance. Scientists call it the “Spiral of Silence.” 

Teamwork in all its forms requires a willingness and ability for team members to share thoughts, opinions and abilities.  The job of a C-suite a leader is to make doing so a safe experience, even if it’s not always a comfortable one.  Unless you can recognize the Spiral of Silence and its implications,  your effectiveness as a leader will be less than it could be, and needs to be.  The short article linked above is enlightening on the nature and implications of the Spiral, an aspect of leadership you didn’t even know was missing… or have been avoiding.