Changing of the guards

Where to begin?....
I guess I talk a lot about change and probably consider myself a wannabe "change agent". I do a lot of analysis and self reflection and when it comes to change I ask myself if I can do a better job and what would I do differently.

Now, this is where it gets tricky.... in order to have change, you need vision. In order to have vision, you need knowledge, support, knowledge, determination, knowledge, take risks, knowledge, lead by example, knowledge, energy, knowledge, creativity..and, of course, knowledge.

Get where Im going with this?

If you don't have knowledge, you cannot facilitate change. There will be a lot of obstacles along the way and only knowledge will help you overcome them. You could read about every book on change, leadership and management, but you cant learn about experience, political and personal savvy, or KNOWLEDGE about your environment without doing the job or immersing yourself in the culture of the organization.

I am amazed at how many leaders fail or dont reach their true potential because they think that they can succeed just because they are good leaders or smart. Many times the best way to do something is just by watching, learning it and then reinterpreting it...or NOT.

The best way of leading is by doing. The best way by becoming a leader is by practicing. The best way of facilitating change is by believing in your vision and having others believe in it with you. You need supporters. You need allies. You need to know and understand your limits and accept that you may fail. You should applaud your successes even when failing.... if you are too arrogant to think that you can learn it on the job without practicing it or getting support for it, then be afraid. Be very afraid.

There will be a change...but not for the better. (think dark clouds and grey skies hovering over the organization).

Guess I am frustrated that the "change agents" who indirectly claim to be "change agents" are not fulfilling their promise of making things better.

Changing of the guards isn't always good.