Episode 104: Leading Through Change: The Human Element

In this insightful episode, Karen delves into the crucial aspects of leadership in an era defined by constant and rapid change. Her guest, Steve Vamos, a seasoned leader in the tech industry and author of ‘Through Shifts and Shocks’, shares his profound experiences and perspectives on navigating disruption with clarity, courage and humanity. Vamos emphasizes that amidst technological advancements and global shifts; the human element becomes increasingly significant. 

Key Takeaways 

The Centrality of the Human Factor 

Vamos's extensive experience underscores that understanding and addressing the human side of change is paramount. He believes our fundamental difficulty with change underlies all global challenges. 

Lessons from Diverse Experiences 

Leadership roles at IBM, Apple, and Xero taught Vamos that a leader's mindset shapes team responses during disruption. Empathy, connection, and enablement prove more effective than control in crises. 

Contrasting Mindsets 

Fear, ego (attachment to past success), and hierarchical conditioning hinder change. These manifest as a need for control and risk/mistake aversion. Conversely, effective leadership requires care, connection, embracing learning from mistakes, and a "learn-it-all" rather than “know-it-all” attitude. 

Practical Leadership Approaches 

Prioritizing teams and effective people leadership is crucial. Vamos advocates aligning work with purpose, resource allocation, performance assessment, and iterative adaptation. Open communication and navigating difficult conversations are vital. 

The Importance of Care and Collaboration 

Genuine care for people builds trust during uncertainty. Collaboration, though challenging, is essential for navigating change. Investing in purposeful people leaders and a clear vision enhances organizational adaptability. 

Leading through rapid and relentless change necessitates a fundamental shift in leadership mindset. By recognizing and addressing the inherent human challenges associated with change, fostering a culture of care and psychological safety, and prioritizing clarity, alignment, and collaboration, leaders can empower their teams to not only navigate disruption but also thrive in the face of it. Steve Vamos’s insights underscore that true leadership in times of change is deeply rooted in understanding and valuing the human element within an organization. 

Want Ready to equip your leaders for change? Discover how our Leadership Development Programs at Corporate Dojo help leaders build resilience, lead with clarity, and thrive in times of uncertainty. 🔗 Explore our programs 

For more on courageous leadership, culture transformation and building high-performing teams, follow Karen Gately on LinkedIn. Get practical advice and thought leadership to help you lead with impact and integrity. 

For deeper insights on leading through change and uncertainty, connect with Steve Vamos on LinkedIn and explore his new book, Through Shifts and Shocks. It’s a must-read for leaders navigating today’s dynamic business landscape. 

🔗 Steve Vamos on LinkedIn 
🔗 Get the book – Through Shifts and Shocks