Successful leaders know how to face their resistance and use change as a catalyst for growth
As we move into a new year, and a new decade, thoughts of change and transformation can be prominent. As a leader, this can be an obstacle or an opportunity. Have you thought about how you can take advantage of the clean slate that a brand new decade presents?
Humans are creatures of habit. It is not unusual or abnormal for the notion of change to trigger a level of resistance, especially in our subconscious mind. The opportunity lies here, in identifying the resistances and facing them head-on.
Leaders who are in touch with their personal “why” (their cause and belief) and using their core values to identify why feelings of resistance are surfacing. What is the change you’re most resistant to right now? Ask yourself ‘why’ five times and answer honestly. Various aspects of the truth will start to surface each step of the way.
The “5 Whys” is a process of disciplined self-inquiry into the root of your thinking.
Five Whys
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (source)
- Five whys (or 5 whys) is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem.[1] The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question “Why?”. Each answer forms the basis of the next question. The “five” in the name derives from an anecdotal observation on the number of iterations needed to resolve the problem.
- Not all problems have a single root cause. If one wishes to uncover multiple root causes, the method must be repeated asking a different sequence of questions each time.
- The method provides no hard and fast rules about what lines of questions to explore, or how long to continue the search for additional root causes. Thus, even when the method is closely followed, the outcome still depends upon the knowledge and persistence of the people involved.
Each ‘why’ offers you the opportunity to dig deeper and to crystallize your intention for change. Lasting transformation comes from within. Your inner game drives your outer game. Leaders that are able to align with their reasons for change are more successful and able to create a desirable outcome.
Feeling stuck? Click here and connect with me, let’s find your “why”!
