The atmosphere in the department is tense and the uncertainty is tangible. Established processes are being questioned, familiar structures are being disrupted. Nothing seems certain anymore.
Why do employees feel anxious when a new leader suddenly takes over? Simply because change brings along a flood of unanswered questions and uncertainties. At precisely such moments, employees seek clarity in the middle of the transformation.
New leader – what next?
A change in leadership – whether due to the retirement of the previous leader or the need for new skills in the leadership role – initiates a period of unclarity. The transition can unsettle employees in their position and affect team dynamics. Internal resistance and mistrust towards the new leader often set in.
41% resist change because they distrust their leader or organization.
Oak Change Report, 2023
This is precisely where the opportunity lies!
At accilium, we see a change of leadership as a promising opportunity to …
break new ground with innovative ideas and fresh approaches.
question and optimize existing structures or processes.
recognize and leverage potentials and synergies.
strategically realign and motivate the team.
We empower leaders to effectively drive and realize change. A prerequisite of this process is the understanding of a company as a system that only functions through the interaction of its parts. This is why we take a holistic approach to transformations, integrating an integral perspective that considers both individual needs and strengths (“individual”) alongside team goals and values (“collective”).
For us, this means a new start can only successful if a new leader actively involves the entire team in the process and encourages them to play an active role in shaping its course. This fosters trust and reduces resistance.
Only 18% of employees strongly agree that their leaders help them see how changes made today will affect their organization.
Gallup, 2023
Realizing opportunities with a focused brainstorming method
We support leaders in their new role with proven change management approaches and combine two effective workshop tools into focused brainstorming: An Impulse Speech & Concept Poster.
The impulse speech provides initial ideas and thoughts on which the concept poster for creative idea generation is based. Initial ideas are collected and structured in order to create a basis for to create a solid basis for innovation. This approach ensures that all team members can contribute their perspectives and suggestions. By using this method, we bring clarity and focus to leadership transitions.
1. Impulse Speech
What is an impulse speech?
An impulse speech provides inspiration to generate initial ideas and set a forward-looking direction. Possible topics for the impulse speech could be “cooperation and communication”, “objectives and strategic orientation” or “team development and motivation”.
How do we use this method in the workshop?
At the beginning of the workshop, we give a short presentation of approx. 10 minutes on a topic that is specifically tailored to the individual customer situation.
Our presentation is intended to stimulate the thoughts of the workshop participants and form the basis for further discussion.
What is the role of our customers?
The workshop participants listen actively and engage with new ideas. Following the speech, questions are asked and active participation in the discussions is encouraged.
Their own experiences and perspectives are shared, while the opinions of other participants are valued.
Quick guide:
New impulses through the lecture
Critical, individual reflection
Collective exchange in open dialogue
2. Concept Poster
What is a Concept Poster?
A transformation plan in form of a poster to present the main elements of a new idea and effectively promote support for its development. The aim of this method is to develop concrete measures and solutions that support a new orientation.
How do we use this method in the workshop?
We bring along specific questions relating to the “hot topics” of the transition phase, e.g. “How do we shape the transition?”, “What communication strategies are required?” or “How do we create a sense of safety in the team?”.
What is the role of our customers?
Our customers collaborate in small groups to generate solutions for these questions and refine them on concept posters.
The poster should clearly show what the idea of the solution is. Why is it important? How does it work?
Quick guide:
Collect and organize thoughts
Develop and conceptualize the idea
Visualize the idea and create a poster
Presentation and discussion in the group
Let’s start focusing on change together
With us, a change in leadership starts with cooperation and trust. By involving all team members in the transformation, uncertainties can be reduced and trust built up.
Are you taking over a new leadership position? Get in touch with us if you and your team want to grow within the change. We look forward to accompanying you on the next steps of your transformation!
Jacqueline Binder
Manager
Ines Kollmann
Associate