How to overcome the FEAR of CHANGE

11/01/23 • 23 min

Listen today as I take you on a journey back to episode 9, going into a topic that resonates with all of us: the fear of change.

Drawing from personal experiences and a powerful book I recently discovered, I explore the resistance many of us have towards change, even when it's inevitable. I share stories of individuals and organizations attempting to recreate past successes, clinging to familiar waters, only to find that change is constant.

Using a river analogy, I illustrate how life, like a flowing stream, is perpetually changing, and we must learn to embrace it. I reflect on my own challenges, including trying to revive the magic of my early radio days and resisting changes in my career. I also discuss the concept of "rugged flexibility," the ability to accept change and find opportunities within it.

Join me as we confront our fears, ask the right questions, and embark on a journey toward a brighter, more adaptable future.

Time Stamps:

[1:41] - We are revisiting a topic discussed in episode 9 today.

[3:43] - No one ever steps into the same river twice.

[4:32] - Change is inevitable, and we can either accept it or deny it.

[5:43] - I reflect on examples of how I have had to embrace change within my organization.

[6:56] - I offer an example of football coach Sean Payton trying to recreate past success.

[8:52] - Hear another example of how attempts to revive past radio success faltered due to change.

[11:00] - Think back on a time in your life when you feared change and tried to recreate past success.

[13:33] - I give another example from my time in radio.

[14:44] - I am currently reading Master of Change by Brad Stulberg.

[16:18] - I explain the concept of rugged flexibility.

[17:47] - Hear an example of a CEO whose CU was failing because he refused to embrace change.

[19:13] - Disorder events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupt normalcy.

[21:47] - Resisting change can be harmful to your health, amplifying stress.

Books:

Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You by Brad Stulberg

Listen today as I take you on a journey back to episode 9, going into a topic that resonates with all of us: the fear of change.

Join me as we confront our fears, ask the right questions, and embark on a journey toward a brighter, more adaptable future.

Time Stamps:

[1:41] - We are revisiting a topic discussed in episode 9 today.

[3:43] - No one ever steps into the same river twice.

[4:32] - Change is inevitable, and we can either accept it or deny it.

[5:43] - I reflect on examples of how I have had to embrace change within my organization.

[6:56] - I offer an example of football coach Sean Payton trying to recreate past success.

[8:52] - Hear another example of how attempts to revive past radio success faltered due to change.

[11:00] - Think back on a time in your life when you feared change and tried to recreate past success.

[13:33] - I give another example from my time in radio.

[14:44] - I am currently reading Master of Change by Brad Stulberg.

[16:18] - I explain the concept of rugged flexibility.

[17:47] - Hear an example of a CEO whose CU was failing because he refused to embrace change.

[19:13] - Disorder events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupt normalcy.

[21:47] - Resisting change can be harmful to your health, amplifying stress.

Books:

Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You by Brad Stulberg

Previous Episode

Lead AND get out of the way

A lot of times, founders adopt a mindsight of "my way or the highway". But one of the best things they can do is get out of the way.

Randy Smith, the Co-Founder of CUInsight, joins me to have a candid conversation about how he went from a brokerage to owning his own marketing company. Randy shares how he was able to get out of his employees' way and let them succeed outside of his vision for success.

Time Stamps:

[2:15] - Randy discusses how CUInsight started as a side hustle.

[6:25] - Not many people like change, but Randy is one of them.

[9:45] - There was a lot of fear for Randy when he changed his career.

[13:14] - Randy had no idea what to expect from CUInsight.

[15:36] - Leaders in Randy's past weren't the type of leader he wanted to be.

[18:19] - Getting out of the way of your team's progress is essential to a successful business.

[22:41] - Empowering your employees is a sign of success as a leader.

[24:44] - There are no bad data points.

[27:00] - Active listening is where Randy sees the most improvement.

[29:30] - Entrepreneurs hire six months too late.

[32:15] - If you're not growing, you're dying.

[34:40] - Urgent and important aren't synonyms.

[36:50] - We create the space and time that we want.

Books:

Permission to Screw Up: How I Learned to Lead by Doing (Almost) Everything Wrong

Next Episode

Starting with the basics: A toolkit for Accidental Leaders

Welcome back to the show, everyone. Join me in this episode as I dive into the intricacies of leading through change and fear. Joined by first-time podcast guest Denise Hackendahl, Executive Director for Inspire Culture, we unpack the challenges leaders face while trying to navigate comfort zones and push into new territories.

Denise also shares insightful thoughts on her experiences in managing organizational culture, nurturing new leaders, and emphasizing HR's critical role in shaping a successful working environment.

Broaden your understanding on the significance of brushing up on your HR 101 knowledge to ensure your leadership remains well-rounded and effective! Get set to uncover the secret ingredient in fostering a supportive environment, promoting professional growth, and masterfully balancing the challenge of leadership with personal life!

Tune in to this episode to hear about inspiring leadership legacies and how introspection can reboot your leadership journey, even amid chaos. You won’t want to miss this!

Time Stamps:

[0:51] - We talked a lot about fear back in episode 8.

[3:58] - Denise points out how promotions to leadership entail a complex mix of emotions; misconceptions hinder smooth transitions.

[6:18] - Recognizing diverse talents, role clarity, and understanding individual capabilities are crucial for effective leadership.

[9:20] - Denise emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and comprehensive development plans following promotion.

[11:56] - Leadership transitions, like those at Apple, Disney, and T-Mobile, often face challenges in maintaining authenticity and navigating cultural shifts.

[13:03] - Embracing authenticity in assuming significant roles involves acknowledging fear, diverse emotions, and necessary change for growth.

[14:10] - I point out how new leaders often imitate iconic figures like Steve Jobs, facing failure without genuine understanding.

[15:36] - Denise has observed a shift toward shaping organizational culture, emphasizing understanding over formalities and compliance.

[17:37] - Promoting mid-level managers to the next level requires addressing challenges in understanding team dynamics and managerial skills.

[19:57] - I reflect on a strategic planning session, prioritizing basic infrastructure.

[21:55] - Buying a house with a great kitchen but neglecting basics mirrors leadership mistakes. Prioritizing fundamentals, like H.R. 101, reduces chaos and ensures success.

[23:35] - Denise argues that starting with a clear baseline enhances efficiency, instilling confidence in leaders.

[25:27] - In a crisis, introspection, acknowledging challenges, and methodical change ensure progress for leaders.

[27:24] - Acknowledging setbacks isn't failure, Denise points out; it's transparent self-awareness.

[28:59] - Effective leadership, exemplified by humility and fair treatment, fosters professional growth and confidence.

[31:24] - I started this podcast to emphasize the profound impact of a leader's actions on others.

[33:36] - Leading for four years now, Denise finds fulfillment in building partnerships and supporting clients nationwide.

[35:45] - In summary, as an accidental leader matures, the focus shifts from changing the world to self-improvement; acknowledging this fosters better leadership.

[37:02] - How can Denise be contacted?

Contact Denise:

Inspire Culture First - Website

Denise’s LinkedIn Page