… that is the question.
After Downton Abbey ended in 2015, I worried I might never love a show that much again, but in 2016 PBS aired Victoria proving otherwise. Downton was about many things but for me the theme of change and especially resistance to change was loud and clear.
Victoria is also about change but this time, it’s the ready embrace of and push for change – from Prince Albert’s support of Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage, and their computing machine to installing indoor plumbing to new Christmas traditions. Resistance of course rears its ugly head throughout but Albert remains unfazed because he saw the future and as a result led the monarchy (and the country) into modern times.
What is so interesting to me in both of these stories is how leaders (both formal and informal) respond to and either lead or thwart change.
My thinking on this is not just theoretical as I am currently observing an organization led by someone who resists it. Mr. Leader claims his mission is to reinvent the company but his actions suggest otherwise. The workforce is young and frustrated and although many are looking around for other options, this leader refuses to see the damage being done.
A few examples of Mr. Leader’s behavior:
- molasses slow to move on issues for no good reason which makes employees crazy.
- refuses to try new technology and even poo poos it when suggested regularly eliciting eye rolls.
- along with older buddies, dominates meetings, talking on and on about the old days and how things were ~ no one wants to attend meetings anymore.
I coach many younger clients and regularly hear versions of the same. (I’m referring to the age range of millennials but you know I dislike that label). They want to do good work and make a difference but the Mr. Leaders of the world alienate them and by doing so lose the energy, insight, and brilliance these people possess. Many leaders do not see the significance of this group comprising nearly half the workforce by 2020. That’s two years y’all.
Do you resist, support, or lead change? Consider where you fall on this continuum in these days of flux.
Speaking of flux, check out our neighbor, Baton Rouge astronomer and astrophysicist Tabetha Boyajian on tonight’s episode of NOVA Wonders. She is Tabby of Tabby’s Star and also part of the crew that does Astronomy on Tap at The Varsity
Hope all is well with you. Would love to hear your thoughts on leading in a constantly changing world in the comments below.
HI Laura, this is a great topic to reflect on. I think millenials are a lot different from the previous workforce generations that we’ve had and the generation gap between them are very evident. As you’ve mentioned, the older workforce are full of Mr. Leaders (I like your term) who like to do it the same way they have been doing it but millenials are those people who are very creative therefore, trying to go away from the status quo and be different. Millenials are really great in finding new angles together with the new technologies in our society, thus making them support change.
Jeng Cruz recently posted…What Are the 4 Most Important Qualities of a Leader?
And now is the time to look for all possible solutions. Thanks for your thoughts!
Laura Wolfe recently posted…To Be Or Not To Be A Leader Of Change