every leader today must be a change agent part two

part two. 

As you embark upon your change management journey, here are ten things that will challenge your capabilities as a change agent and potentially become defining moments along your leadership success path. (Read Part One Now)

3.  Global Market Wisdom
The manner in which business is conducted outside of the United States is much different, yet many of today’s workplace leaders are not privy to the wisdom required to conduct business globally.  Business outside of the United States respects wisdom equally to knowledge, as well as proper conduct, tact and executive presence.   Conducting business abroad is about the total experience a leader can bring to the table that is consistent, original and true.  Self-promotion, lack of values and sensationalism will get you nowhere.

It’s not about recognition, but about respect. Relationships are earned, not purchased. While your organization’s brand reputation carries weight, just as important is getting to know who you are as an individual, what you stand for, your leadership influence, and the intangibles that help you earn trust.

In many respects, the term “leadership” has become a commoditized term in the United States, while globally it holds more value, meaning, and purpose.

4.  Consumers Demand Much More
As leaders, you must touch the business just as much as you lead it. Leaders can never forget about the customers that contribute to the growth of their business and must never grow complacent about understanding their changing needs and demands.

Today’s consumer is much more fickle; they are drowning in the noise and clouded by the choices that are in front of them — that are attempting to  sway them and influence what they  buy. As such, consumers have become much more demanding and it’s more difficult to earn their loyalty and trust.

Leaders, regardless of hierarchy or rank, are affected by consumer behavior; therefore, they must change the lens that they see through in order to be more mindful  and educate themselves (and their teams)  about consumer demands – which are what ultimately change the course of action taken. In many respects, leaders must become general managers of their business, knowing enough about how each part of the business impacts them directly and indirectly so they can be more proactive in their thinking, planning and execution.

5.  Entrepreneurial Attitude
The fiercely competitive marketplace has made it mandatory for leaders to be more entrepreneurial, connect the dots of opportunity and find non-traditional ways for their business to grow and prosper. Beyond creativity with the existing business at-hand, leaders must be prepared to get involved in new ventures that may require them to open up new markets, launch new products, and/or be involved in merger and acquisition activities.

In today’s world of specialization, successful leaders need to get out of their industry lane and see what is going on in other sectors that has application to their worlds.  This sort of cross-training creates valuable insights to otherwise missed opportunities for innovation and growth.

Because the market is changing so quickly, the entrepreneurial attitude is in high-demand and has become the new unwritten requirement in a leader’s job description.

> To Be Continued!

Phil Mora is based in Silicon Valley and AVP Product at SikkaSoft, a health SaaS startup. I specialize in product magic, digital marketing, business development and entrepreneurship. A creative problem solver with a talent for strategic thinking and communication, I combine lessons learned from more than 15 years as a high-tech industry executive with my roots as a software technologist, product developer and digital marketeer. When I am not working on mobile health, I am obsessed with with sports, fitness, wellness, nutrition and anything holistic: you’ll find me at the gym or outdoors training hard. I look forward to connecting with you!
</ Here's my contact info>