Leaders Are Responsible For Managing The Pace of Change

Change is a tricky thing to manage and leaders need to navigate it with caution, but avoid being fearful of it. D. Wayne Lukas once noted that “the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack.” This means that leaders have to be very careful how they lead an organization through periods of change. If the leader is slow to adopt the change the organization will do it no faster than the leader. If timing is everything then the slow leader could destroy the hope of his organization meeting its deadlines.

Being the fastest to get through the change process is not the answer either in some cases. That is why leaders need to gauge the appropriate pace that the organization should move through the process. If this is done the organization or “pack” moves at the same speed as the leader-just fast enough to meet the needs of the organization.

Recognizing what needs to be done and setting milestones that accomplish tasks according to a leader’s timeline is essential in leading an organization through change. The pack will follow the lead animal because they know that it has the best interest of the pack at heart. An organization will follow a good leader because they too know that the leader is doing what is best for the organization. Make sure you know what needs to be done and how long it should take-people are counting on you!

Fast Tip: Milestones are necessary for gauging the success of an organization in meeting its goals.