Energizing Employees for Change
Cathie Leimbach • December 10, 2024
Let's talk about the third E in the “Three Es of Effective Change”: Energize.
Think of it like this. You want to climb a really big mountain. It's going to be tough, right? You need a lot of energy to get to the top. And just like summiting that mountain, transforming a whole company is a big challenge.
So, how do you get your team energized and ready to climb that mountain?
- Well, first, you've got to be clear about where you're going and why it's important. Tell them the big picture, the vision. Explain why this change is going to make things better for everyone.
- Next, make sure everyone knows their role in this journey. Show them how their work fits into the bigger puzzle. This will help them feel like they're making a difference.
- But talking isn't enough. You need to listen too. Have open conversations with your team. Let them share their thoughts and concerns. This will help you understand their perspective and make sure they feel heard.
- Finally, give your managers the tools they need to inspire their teams. Train them on how to communicate effectively and motivate their people.
Remember, when everyone feels energized and involved, it's a lot easier to climb that mountain – or implement a major change in your organization. It's like having a whole bunch of cheerleaders cheering each other on!
Many organizations assume their biggest challenges are rapidly changing technology, customer retention, and employee initiative. But quite often, the root cause is people leadership problems. That’s one reason The Imperfect CEO by Jim Brown is so timely. Releasing today, May 19, the book explores how leaders build healthier organizations not by pretending to have all the answers, but by creating cultures grounded in trust, clarity, accountability, and meaningful conversations. Brian Besanceney, Chair, Board of Orlando Health, Inc., described the book this way: “Through vivid stories, real-world examples, and a model grounded in collaborative culture, Jim Brown gives leaders permission to wrestle honestly with the generational divides, misaligned targets, and cultural fractures that can too often sabotage high-potential organizations.” Greg Apple, CEO of Amgine.ai, connected the book to leadership beyond business alone: “In a fast-moving company, culture is everything. Jim Brown’s principles have helped our team lead with greater clarity and alignment. The Imperfect CEO distills those lessons brilliantly. Every leader should read it.” What stands out to me is how closely this book aligns with the principles behind Conversational Management. Healthy cultures are rarely built through policies alone. They are built through the quality of everyday leadership conversations — how expectations are clarified, how accountability is handled, how feedback is delivered, and how trust is strengthened over time. That’s why leadership development cannot stay theoretical. Culture changes conversation by conversation. The Imperfect CEO is an easy-to-read business fable that illustrates common people leadership challenges and provides suggestions for overcoming them. Order your copy today and start building healthier leadership conversations inside your organization.
Chick-fil-A restaurants often receive far more job applications than they have openings. This is not luck. It is leadership. People apply where they believe they will be treated well. At Chick-fil-A, employees experience respectful communication, clear expectations, and leaders who support their success. That reputation spreads quickly through word of mouth. Leaders in these restaurants do simple things well. They ask questions before they assume. They listen to employees. They provide encouragement and clear direction. They notice good work and address problems in a helpful way. As a result, employees feel valued. They enjoy coming to work. They tell others. That is what attracts more applicants. Many organizations focus only on hiring. Strong organizations focus on how people are treated after they are hired. When leaders create a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and clear on what success looks like, something powerful happens: People stay. People perform. And more people want to join. This is what leadership really is. Would you like to see several leadership and culture practices Chick-fil-A uses to attract and keep quality employees? Click here to view: How Chick-fil-A Attracts Quality Applicants