Remember the morality tale about the sun and the wind?  They had a contest to see who could make the people remove their coats.  The wind blew and blew, but people clutched their coats more tightly.  The sun shone ever more brightly until the people became too warm and willingly took off their coats.  The sun was the winner.

When change is required - in life, in business, in any organization - leaders can huff and puff and use their power and position to try to get folks to act.  But in my experience that often leads to people clinging ever more tightly to the old ways.

So what would sunshine look like in that instance?
 
First, understanding.  People don't resist change as much as they resist BEING changed.  Taking an inventory of who will be impacted by change and who will lose what is an important leadership activity.

Next, clarity.  Give as much information as you can about the reason for the change and what is involved both now and in the future.  The more light you can shine on the situation, and the more questions you can respond to, the less fear, rumor, and misinformation will get in the way.

Finally, persistence.  If you are not committed to the long haul, don't even start the process.  Keep on "shining" - point out the little successes, encourage the faint of heart, be with your people day in and day out.  Let them know how much the change means to you, to them, and to the future success.

The coats will come off!

When have you tried the huff and puff change method?  What happened?

What keeps you from being a "bright"  leader?  How will you overcome those obstacles?