I am thinking here about phases of activity and the pace at which we are forced to accept and implement change. This idea applies equally to an HR&L role as it would to any managerial or project role where you are responsible for setting the direction and pace of delivery and/or change.


I think it is important to consider all phases of activity in a cycle to ensure that you and (perhaps more importantly) your team have a period of rest to regroup and find energy. Any project will benefit from a refine and listen phase, before a rest and reset. A relentless change agenda will tire out even the most stalwart given enough time. Change fatigue is real but can be avoided.


Consider this ideal cycle of activity:


PLAN - IMPLEMENT - REFINE - REST AND RESET - PLAN - ETC


As a leader (of team or department) it is so critical to refill your energy as unremitting change is draining and can lead to discontent, stress, burnout for you and departures from your team. As leaders we should be setting the pace, and showing care for ourselves and our teams. In a fast paced business you will need to work hard to shield your team from the inevitable push of relentless change. Make sure you aren't the one pushing this and make sure you have that shield ready as part of your leadership toolkit.


It's also worth considering that different stages of the cycle of activity will require different skills - some of which may come more naturally to you than others. This sometimes explains why you get stuck in one part of the cycle. For example, a detail and action oriented individual will prefer the plan and implement phase, whilst a team building type will be more comfortable with refining and seeing how it has landed for everyone.


Which type of person favours rest I wonder?


Ideas

Take a moment to reflect:

  • Do you have the PACE right?
  • What is your natural preference and why?
  • Are you building in enough time to rest for you and your team?
  • What might need to change to make this possible?
  • When is the next project I can try this on?


Actions

  • Plot out what types and skills are needed at each stage of the cycle of activity
  • Plan what you can do to deliver well within each stage and avoiding staying in it too long for comfort
  • Pay particular attention to how you plan in REFINE and REST to your project plans (I wouldn't be surprised to see these stages missed altogether)


Reading Recommendations

The Coaching Habit - Michael Bungay Stanier


Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash