75: How to Lead Operations Through Change Without Being a Pushover

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/75.

Ever catch yourself biting your tongue in a meeting, agreeing to yet another project when you're already swamped implementing big changes? You might be suffering from chronic people-pleasing, and it's costing you more than you think. In operations, efficiency is key. This habit of saying yes can be a real time-thief.

That gold star for 'playing nice' isn't just costing you hours. It's eroding your credibility and control. It's like steering a ship while constantly avoiding every little wave. Before you know it, you are off course, wondering where your time went. 

These detours aren't just ineffective; they drain precious time that could be spent driving real change.

Today, we're exploring how to drive change without getting caught in over-the-top niceness. You'll learn how to reclaim your time, set clear boundaries, and lead with purpose through transitions. Let's dive in! 

Transcript

Ever catch yourself biting your tongue in a meeting, agreeing to yet another project when you're already swamped implementing big changes? You might be suffering from chronic people-pleasing, and it's costing you more than you think. In operations, efficiency is key. This habit of saying yes can be a real time-thief.

That gold star for 'playing nice' isn't just costing you hours. It's eroding your credibility and control. It's like steering a ship while constantly avoiding every little wave. Before you know it, you are off course, wondering where your time went. 

These detours aren't just ineffective; they drain precious time that could be spent driving real change.

Today, we're exploring how to drive change without getting caught in over-the-top niceness. You'll learn how to reclaim your time, set clear boundaries, and lead with purpose through transitions. Let's dive in! Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/75.

Hey Ops Execs,

Your knack for juggling multiple priorities is impressive. It's what keeps operations running smoothly. But let's face it, sometimes there are just too many balls in the air. When that happens, people-pleasing often sneaks in, quietly draining your time and energy when you need it most. It's like trying to hold water in your hands. No matter how hard you squeeze, it slips away.

The Hidden Cost of Niceness in Ops Management

If you're like many operations execs these days, you're probably in the thick of some sort of major operational overhaul. Your team's pushing back, and you find yourself tiptoeing around. You're avoiding tough talks, sugarcoating feedback, maybe even watering down the changes trying to keep the peace. It's draining, isn't it?

This approach isn't just slowing progress. It's eating away at your most precious resource: Your time. Every minute spent tiptoeing around issues is a minute lost from something more valuable. Let's talk about  how to regain control of your time and drive change effectively.

First, set a clear vision for the change. When you know your destination, saying "no" to detours gets easier. This clarity helps your team understand your priorities, so your decisions get more respect.

Building Resilience: Leading Through Discomfort

Next, prepare to step out of your comfort zone. Change is not smooth sailing. Instead of trying to cushion every blow, guide your team through rough patches. Think of yourself as the captain, not just a passenger. Let them handle some bumps. It builds resilience, empowers them, and will save you time in the long run.

Also reconsider how you experience their resistance to change. It’s normal for people to push back against change and be scared of it or upset about it. That’s feedback, and data, not a personal attack on you. So try engaging with it openly. You might get some valuable insights that save time down the road.

Tough Talks: The Key to Unlocking Operational Efficiency

What about those tough conversations you've been avoiding? They're like ignored emails. They just pile up and create more work later, consuming more and more of your time. Tackling them head-on helps you reclaim your time and mental energy. Remember, every delayed conversation is borrowed time that compounds interest. 

Finally, remember, you don't have to figure this all out alone. Collaborating with a coach can help you develop the skills to be more direct and effective. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run. 

And if you find yourself inching back away from that tough conversation, you might ask yourself: "What's the cost of not addressing this now?"

Today I’ll leave you with this question: How might shifting from "nice" to "clear and direct" actually free up your time and improve your team’s trust in you?

So, give it a try, and let me know how it goes.

If you clicked through to listen to this episode, you might also like episode 51, “Elevate Your Ops Leadership from 'Too Nice' to 'Just Right'” Find it at yourfuturerealized.com/51.

You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.