Send to KindleLeadership, Big Change, and the Health Care Bill
The Supreme Court has upheld the Affordable Care Act, though in a very odd and twisted way. Some hail this as a victory, some as a disaster, and everyone is curious about what it means for their own health coverage. One of the least fun and most challenging aspects of a leadership position is leading an organization that’s going through a big change.
I was leading a large organization that was undergoing a major change based on a decision completely out of my control. The impending change only applied to part of the organization but the uncertainty was affecting everyone. Several hundred people’s jobs and futures were very uncertain and the change was being implemented faster than the bureaucracy could keep up. As the bureaucracy tried to deal with the change, my organization was struggling to continue production and keep everyone safe. Not an easy task.
The biggest problem was uncertainty. Though compensation is not a primary motivator, messing with someone’s paycheck can have disastrous results. Even worse is putting people in a position where they don’t know what the future holds, and that’s what had happened. I found there are a few basic actions a leader should take when this sort of uncertainty strikes.
1. Be as informed as you can be. When the bureaucracy is not providing information, or taking action to alleviate concerns, bug them. How much you bug them depends on several factors. You want them to know what your concerns are and that you will stay engaged, but you don’t want them to get too exasperated with you and shut you out completely.
2. Be completely honest with people. If you don’t know, say so. Don’t lead them to believe you know something you don’t. They’ll figure it out and you’ll lose credibility.
3. Be genuinely concerned about people’s future. Don’t try to fake this. Conversely, don’t try to become them. Even if the change is affecting you too, most workers will think you have some sort of parachute that will carry you to safety while they are swept away. You must understand that they expect their concerns to be on your mind, but your concerns are probably not on their minds. Yes, it’s lonely at the top.
The debate over the health care bill is not over and it will be a very polarizing factor in the upcoming elections. As more information, and disinformation, becomes available, there will be even greater concern. Meet this uncertainty head on. Your people expect nothing less.
