By Todd Wilms, AdVoice

Who we think of as “successful” changes as we mature.  When we were kids, it was typically about “fame” or “notoriety.”  Film and pop stars had it all for us.  As we got our degrees and entered the workforce, we viewed “intelligence” as success.  Who was the smartest person in the room?  “Money” certainly is a barometer for success.  However, over the years, we have seen fame wane, or pure intelligence fail our leaders, as they were ill equipped to see their ideas put into practice.  Now, adaptability – the ability to not only embrace but to use change to enhance your and your organization’s trajectory – is the desired trait for the modern leader.  Great leaders love change, see it as an opportunity, and realize the potential for growth. Love Change The adage thrown around corporate board and lunchrooms is that “no one likes change.”  I disagree with that.  Great leaders LOVE change.  The masses may not like change; they may like to keep the status quo.  But real leaders love change.  They thrive on the possibilities that change brings.  They fully realize that many will see change as a negative disruption for their daily lives and it is a leader’s responsibility to help them through that disruption.  Our routines are like comfort food, and our great leaders know this – can truly empathize with it.  They also understand that major changes occur and cause us to re-evaluate our roles, our organizations, and ourselves.  A great leader will be mindful that change can be uncomfortable, and will help their peers and teams see what the future can hold for them.  More importantly, they will take the lead on how to get there and will help their folks get to that “new reality.” Change Is Opportunity I have had the pleasure of being a leader is several world-class organizations.  I have also learned the hard lessons of having tenure in companies that were “not so world-class,” as well as one colossal train-wreck of a company. Great organizations always had leaders who embraced change and look for the opportunity in the chaos.  While at eBay, there was a constant state of flux, and then CEO Meg Whitman rotated her leaders around the organization to build bench strength.  The CFO today might be the CMO tomorrow. But, when she stepped down, the organization was nonplussed and new leadership stepped in – just as she had designed it.  SAP will be going through a similar change as was announced today with Co-CEO Jim Hagemann Snabe stepping down as he transitions to his new role on the SAP Executive Board.  This comes during a time of a dramatic change at SAP as we transition to a cloud and data focused organization.  Again, the strength of the culture of leadership at SAP is how executives and leaders at every level stepped up and embraced the change, communicated to their teams, and helped see the amazing opportunities change can bring.  Change brings new responsibilities and new opportunities to leaders …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest