One of the most common challenges leaders raise with me is navigating change. It’s constant, fast, and often relentless. I feel it too – in business, in life, and I’m sure you do as well.
Change isn’t approaching. It’s already here – shifting priorities, stretching capacity, and demanding decisions. Some people thrive in the momentum, fuelled by challenge and opportunity. Others are running on empty, worn down by the pace.
Leading change isn’t just about strategy. It’s about people. And it comes down to two critical factors: how clearly people understand what’s changing and how much energy they have to respond.
These two factors define how people experience change.
When both are strong, you get Empowered Momentum – change with purpose. People know where they’re heading and have the capacity to move. Teams in this space are switched on, motivated, and delivering impact. The challenge? Keeping them focused without pushing them too far.
Clarity alone isn’t enough. Overdrive Burnout happens when people understand what’s needed but the pace is unsustainable. They’re pushing through, but the spark is fading. Here, leadership is about managing intensity – slowing the tempo, creating space to reset, and ensuring recovery is part of the plan.
High energy without clear direction leads to Disrupted Curiosity. There’s excitement, but no clear path. This can fuel innovation or create chaos. The role of leadership here is to shape, not stifle – guiding focus without shutting down momentum.
And then there’s The Change Drain – when people are unclear and depleted. Engagement drops, not because people don’t care, but because they’ve stopped believing their effort leads anywhere. This is where culture can break down. Leadership in this space is about simplifying, clarifying, and rebuilding trust – one step at a time.
Teams move through these states. Individuals experience them differently. That’s the reality of change – unpredictable, human, and never one-size-fits-all.
So ask yourself:
❓ Is your team energised or exhausted? Clear or uncertain?
❓ And what would it take to shift even one person closer to clarity and momentum?
Because change isn’t waiting. How you lead through it will define what comes next.
