October 30, 2024

Mindful Leaders… Notice Change – the 4A Approach to Change

By Ken Giglio, Principal of Mindful Leadership

Change is always here. Change can carry us along or sweep us away when we are unaware, or, if we notice, if we pay attention enough, we’ll experience change as neither good nor bad but simply the nature of things.

Leaders make change happen, in large and small ways, and change happens to them.

Whatever happens next, be it the arrival or departure of a star team player, the need to ease out an under-performer, or the election of the “wrong” candidate, the Mindful Leader acknowledges the reality of change, allows it to be, accepts it for what it is, and acts as needed (not acting is also an action).

Change brings shifts in how we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes these shifts in perspective are subtle and sometimes transformative. We might hear from the Board our communication needs to be more succinct, or the Board might tell us our tenure as CEO is over. Change is always present; how we mindfully deal with it is what matters most.

The seasons are a constant reminder of change. Autumn is the season of letting be and letting go, witnessed by the changing leaves. The reds, yellows, oranges, and browns are mostly on the ground now, and we notice more as we look through the trees to see what’s next.

The Mindful Leader practices Noticing. They Acknowledge change, Allow it to be, Accept it, and Act.

The Only Constant in Life Is Change – Heraclitus

~~~

Mindful Leaders… is a new series of posts intended to illustrate what Mindful Leaders think, do, say, and practice to be, well, mindful. The practice of leading mindfully means building a continuity of awareness to strengthen our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the enterprises (systems) in which we work and live. (See our signature Tri-Lens Mindful Reflection Model.)