🕵️‍♂️Leader Identity Shifts During Transformation😎

Ever led a transformation initiative? I would be bold enough to say the whole experience changes you as a leader.

Reflecting on the various initiatives I’ve led over many years, I don’t believe there was a single one that didn’t shape how I showed up for the next. For me, the decision to adjust how I lead is often subtle and not always obvious to those around me.

Over time, I’ve developed my own approach to recognising these shifts and adapting the way I lead initiatives. I’ve found that by responding early to the environment, the people, and the leadership dynamics, it’s far easier to adjust course than to fix something later because I failed to recognise the signals or listen to the team.

So what are the shifts in my leadership approach?

I’ve moved away from being the person who solves problems directly to someone who guides and supports teams to deliver transformation outcomes, even when things are uncertain.

A few things I’ve intentionally changed over the years:

🔹I acknowledge pressure openly rather than carrying it quietly

🔹I create space for honest leadership conversations

🔹I avoid tying my identity as a leader to initiative outcomes

🔹I ensure leadership teams support each other, not just operational delivery

🔹I work to create an environment where teams own and deliver the outcomes

If you're navigating change right now, pause for a moment and reflect:

How is this transformation changing you as a leader?

Sometimes the most important leadership work starts inside us first.

#leadingbyexample #digitalleadership #nexusconnectnz