I remember last curling season we were facing the top team in our league. I felt challenged and exhilarated at the same time. I knew this team’s strategy and I knew if I played their strategy against them, I would narrow the number of points between our scores and avoid humiliation. What I didn’t expect was that we nearly beat them when we decided to change our strategy!

What would it look like if leaders changed their strategy when it came to change?

What if we shared the change with our team and rather than discussing why it is hard, instead use a SWOT assessment to understand our capability to navigate the change? The SWOT assessment (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) is an amazing tool to distill what you are good at, starting at a place of strength and then identify risks and actions to close those gaps. 

At the game, I turned to my vice skip and said we were going to play a take-out game; which meant every shot my opponent placed in a scoring position, we hit their rock out of play. My vice skip at first was unsure because that was not our typical game. I convinced them that that if we played a different and more riskier strategy we would upset them and they would have to play a defensive game. With that self assurance, the vice skip went back to the rest of the team and told them the new strategy. While it wasn’t the game we normally play, it’s a game they were ready to play to get a different result. 

My team’s strength was a “can-do” attitude. Their weakness was that the take-out shot was not their best shot, but they were willing to push themselves to deliver on that request. Their opportunity was if we played a different game, we would at least reduce the number of points our opponent could score. And finally the threat was my mindset to deliver on a different strategy and would I have the confidence to lead. 

As leaders, we need to show confidence in the wake of change, share risks associated with the change, but also with enthusiasm that the team would grow together. Your leadership is not necessarily about the result, but taking your team through a process where they feel like they can trust you. That is your legacy and why we should grow to feel more confident in navigating change. 

It was the second to last shot of the game and the score was tied 7-7. The fans were quiet as they watched the top team close to a loss. The opposing team was also unusually quiet as they saw their winning streak possibly coming to an end.

As I took my last shot; a very challenging take-out on the edge of the 8 foot ring, I made it to lead 8-7. As I walked back to my vice-skip, we knew we had already won the game despite the score. The opposing team made their last shot and took out one of our stones and then placed a 2nd one in play giving them two points for a 9-8 win over us.

The result did not matter, but instead the team unified behind a challenging task and a change of strategy that win or lose, we were victorious!

You can be an inspiration to others by taking risks, building trust and achieving success: making change a process for growth. Remember:

• Explain the change so they understand
• Ensure any concern is addressed with empathy
• Build Trust by embracing the strengths of the team and exuding confidence to navigate uncertainty. 

If this story inspires you; think about someone who could use The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track; that gives you actionable tools to gain results in days vs. months. This resource can be your compass or someone you know who is going through transformation and needs just a few minor changes to get major results.

You can find my book on Amazon or other favorite book outlets. My podcast The Drop in CEO is a free resource to gain insights and inspiration from industry leaders and elevate your career or business outcomes. 

To learn more about curling (I could talk about it for hours) or have a 15 minute chat, let’s book a call!

Resources

Good Reads

The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track by Deborah A. Coviello.

I would be remiss if I did not share this resource with you. I’m quite proud of it as well as the people who supported me. This resource picks up where the leadership books left off: giving you the tools to open up your mind and show you how to achieve results in days vs. weeks. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it and who you can hand the compass to, to leave your legacy. 

Good Music

Runner by Dustin O’Halloran

I’ve changed my tune as I actually like running and this is a piece that picked me up as I muscled through the first mile today and as I’m preparing to run another ½ marathon. It’s a daunting task, but I’m up for it. Enjoy this song. 

Good People

Rick Maurer: How to Help Your Team Embrace Change I was so inspired by what Rick said about change and resistance. When it comes to resisting change, it boils down to: a) I don’t understand it, b) I don’t like it, c) I don’t trust it or “you”… As leaders, we have to be mindful to address these concerns and show you care. Ultimately we must show respect to the human; the change is secondary. 

#ceo #theceoscompass #dropinceo