Last week, we explored how change affects you personally. This week, we're focusing on YOUR ROLE as a leader when change is happening—because your team is looking to you to guide them through their transitions.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
Managing Your Team's Threat Responses (The SCARF Model)
Status: How to provide reassurance without making promises you can't keep
Certainty: Sharing what you know about the change and the process, even when details are unclear
Autonomy: Giving people choices and a sense of control during uncertain times
Relatedness: Creating space for emotions while guiding people back to action
Fairness: Acknowledging perceptions of unfairness without fueling resistance
The Stockdale Paradox: Why your team needs you to hold two truths simultaneously—unwavering faith in the future AND honest acknowledgment of current difficulties
The 4P Framework for Leading Through Change: A step-by-step approach using Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part to help your team navigate transition
Real-World Application: A detailed example of how to use the 4P Framework during organizational budget cuts and restructuring
Key Takeaways:
Don't promise what you can't deliver—transparency builds trust more than false reassurance
Share what you know about the process, even when outcomes are uncertain
Give people choices and ways to contribute—autonomy shifts resistance to engagement
Make space for emotions AND help people move toward action
When people have a part to play, they become participants rather than victims of change
Resources Mentioned:
Loooking Ahead:
Episode 46 will tackle your questions about leading through change! We'll cover how to handle pushback, manage resistance, lead change you don't agree with, and navigate all the messy, complicated situations that arise. Send your questions to support@clairelaughlin.com!
Citations:
Rock, D. (2008). SCARF: A brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. NeuroLeadership Journal, 1(1), 44-52.
Bridges, W. (2009). Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change (3rd ed.). Da Capo Press.
Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap, and Others Don't. HarperBusiness. [For Stockdale Paradox]
Join the Conversation:
What practices help you stay grounded during overwhelming times? Please share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting.
Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:
If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague who's leading through change!
To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, and we'd love for you to share them with others who might benefit.
Until next time, lead the way!
