Empowering Change

Changes occur every day. Companies are acquired by new companies. Personal and business crises demand changes in priorities. Technological advances require new skills. People relocate for personal and professional reasons. Families grow, restructure, and experience loss. The global economy encourages a new level of competition, recognition of cultural differences, and opportunities for new ideas. Effective leaders not only foster and facilitate change, they empower others to cope with, adapt to, and sometimes even embrace it. This is true empowerment given the fact that change is the constant. Leaders who empower others in addressing change possess characteristics and employ strategies that help them in this endeavor.

To prepare for this Discussion:
 
• Review Chapter 4 in your course text, The Art of Leadership. Pay particular attention to the section titled, "The Concept of Visioning."
 
• Review Chapter 17 in your course text, The Art of Leadership. Focus on rules to guide leaders in implementing change and the importance of attitude.
 
• Consider how an effective leader fosters and supports change.
 
• Think of two characteristics an effective leader would need to foster and support change.
 
• Consider two strategies a leader might employ to empower people in coping with, adapting to, and even embracing change.
 
• Think of an example of an effective leader who is or was successful in fostering and supporting change. The leader may be someone you know personally or an historic or current figure who is a prominent leader.

With these thoughts in mind:

Your thoughts about the role of effective leaders in fostering and supporting change and empowering others in the process. Include two characteristics that such leaders would need, as well as two strategies they might employ. Provide an example of someone who is or was effective in this role and explain why and how.