Change is an essential element for any business today. Change is no longer viewed as merely a way to gain a competitive advantage, but is now essential just to keep up with the competition. But change isn't easy. In fact, many of us seem to have a genetic disposition to despise change. This means that, while we may intuitively agree with change, we are going to, at least initially, resist it. To ensure that change is effectively implemented in an organization, it is important to develop a process to manage change.

Every leader can develop an effective change management process by following five simple steps.

Change ManagementAdam WitmerJuly 8, 2014Strategy, change

Overcoming Fear Through Devotion

Everyone struggles with the fear of failure, especially when it comes to starting new endeavors. The thought of being unsuccessful often keeps us from heading down a new road. Failure wins before something is even conceived. How many inventions weren't invented because of self-doubt? How many businesses were never started due to this fear? How many people avoid following their passions and dreams because they worry they can't cut it? The answers to these question is, unfortunately: too many. The good news, however, is that the fear of failure can be overcome. Some believe that discipline is the easiest way to overcome this fear. While relying on disciple works for some, I have found something else: devotion. My devotion to the mission surpasses my fears.

The following are three practical ways to overcome our fears:

Change Management, Leadership HacksAdam WitmerMarch 8, 2014Fear, Devotion, Discipline, Mission

Vision Casting; An Essential To Leadership

Vision casting is often viewed as the job of the CEO. Like a head coach, the CEO sets the direction of an organization and then spends a great amount of energy ensuring that their team also understands and works for the vision. Vision casting, however, isn't limited to CEOs. Great leadership, regardless of a title or position, involves effective vision casting.

You Are Your Primary Advocate

I once heard an author talking about all of the ideas he gets pitched by non-authors who want him

Change Management, Leadership HacksAdam WitmerJanuary 26, 2014vision casting, leadership

The Change Dilemma

Radical leaders understand that change isn't important for getting ahead, it's important for maintaining where we are at. There is often a hidden dilemma behind change; we have to get out of our comfort zone and immerse ourselves into uncertainty. Uncertainty that we will be able to get to the same comfort level that we just gave up. Uncertainty that the change will not be as effective as the method we just left. Uncertainty that we will be as competent in a new method as we previously were. Without change, however, one thing is certain; we will be left behind.

Here are some ways to ensure we are not left behind:

Change ManagementAdam WitmerDecember 11, 2013change, management, leadership

Radical Leadership: The 4 R's of a Radical Leader

Leadership looks different today than it did just a decade ago. In years past, a leader’s authority was often derived from his or her special skill or expertise. Because a leader had a special skill (or inside knowledge), he was able to take an authoritarian my-way-or-the-high-way leadership style. In just a few short decades, all of that has changed. No longer can leaders rely solely on special information or expertise as a leadership advantage. Thanks to Google, information is just too easy to come by. The internet has leveled the playing field so much that newer generations are demanding a radical new kind of leadership. Organizations need radical leaders.

There are four R's to radical leadership:

Change Management, Leadership HacksAdam WitmerDecember 4, 2013Leadership, Change, Innovation

How to Create a Great Culture

A great corporate culture is an asset to the bottom line. An ineffective culture, however, can be very costly. The corporate culture of an organization is the difference between a great place to work and one that is chronically drained by spending energy to bring in and retain good talent. Personally, I am always surprised at how many organizations are not pro-actively creating a culture that cultivates and attracts the type of employees they desire.

So how is a corporate culture created, even in a small business?

Be Pro-Active

The first step to creating a great culture within an organization is to understand that a culture is going to develop whether or not you plan for it. If cultural outcomes are not strategically developed, the result is going to be less than ideal.

Change Management, General Business StrategyAdam WitmerNovember 3, 2013Culture, Corporate, Business

Uprooting Unhealthy Behaviors

Case Studies, Change ManagementAdam WitmerMay 24, 2013Change Integration, Integrating Change, Change Management, Change, Navigating Change, Managing Change

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This is where you will find many short stories on business strategy.

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