Leading through Change: The Power of Connection

 Change is inevitable, but how we lead people through change can make all the difference. Creating connection doesn't mean having all the answers or making every difficult situation easier, it means creating an environment where people feel seen and heard, while still providing the clarity, consistency, and direction teams expect from their leaders. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features Paula Horwitz, VP of Event Management, FCCS and Jessica Yaffa, internationally-recognized healthy relationships expert, speaker, trainer, and relationship coach. Together they discuss the power of connection, how leaders can help employees, customers, and communities navigate uncertainty while still moving the organization forward.    Episode Insights Include: Common change misconceptions  Misconception #1- Only positive change can make a real difference.  All change matters and requires us to create a space for what is lost and what is gained. Misconception #2- Acknowledging what is hard will make a situation feel even heavier.  Talking about hard things can actually make hard things feel easier.  Misconception #3- Demonstrating vulnerability leads to a loss of credibility.  Research shows that leaders who are able to acknowledge their limitations lead employees to feel more seen and valued.    Lessons learned from Ted Lasso Acknowledge what you don't know.  Ask for support from others.  Support others in feeling valued and listened to.  Acknowledge when you are struggling without blaming others.  Create space for others to struggle.  Treat vulnerability as a connector.    Pivot with vulnerability in mind Lean into opportunities to acknowledge common hard times.  Create space for others to share their feelings.  Remind your team that you are all in this together.  Leaders need to help others feel seen, heard, and understood.    Communication tools for stressful times Carve out one-minute connection check-ins with your team members.  Recall team members' recent experiences that you can follow up on.  Ask "How can I support you?" Walk the walk and talk the talk through your example.  Consider what must be communicated to provide transparency.    Authentic ownership of leadership decisions Leaders need to balance vulnerability and transparency with upholding organizational principles and company expectations.  State the connection facts first, followed by the new information. "I appreciate that we are already spread thin, and this is what is now expected of us."  Allow time for team concerns before moving on to solutions.  Clearly state whether you are seeking consensus and ideas or simply allowing for feelings to be shared.  Set clear expectations to more productively interact with your team.    Behaviors of trusted leaders Influential leaders are more powerful when they carefully handle the things that don't go well.  Show up in ways that make it clear that you are taking care of yourself and ready to support others.  Acknowledge your shortcomings and move forward accordingly.  Connective language creates trusted, reliable, compassionate leaders that people feel motivated to follow.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Jessica Yaffa – Jessica Yaffa   Get in touch – [email protected]   "All change requires us to create a space for what is lost and what is gained." — Jessica Yaffa   "Leading with vulnerability is one of the greatest ways to gain and maintain trust with those around us." — Jessica Yaffa   "Connection language creates trusted, reliable, compassionate leaders that people feel motivated to follow." — Jessica Yaffa