Making Waves in Leadership: Initiating Change with Patti B. Johnson

The Leadership Habit

In the latest episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, Jenn DeWall speaks with Patti B. Johnson about a challenge every leader must face—leading through change. Change, both personal and professional, is unavoidable. How leaders navigate it can determine their success. Patti, the former CEO of People Results and author of Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life, shares insights on how leaders can start initiating change and make a meaningful impact by making waves in their organizations.

Why Do Leaders Struggle with Change?

“Change is hard,” Jenn DeWall remarks during the episode. “It’s something we have to learn to stand with in solidarity to be great leaders.” Often, leadership is mistakenly seen as always having the right answers, but Patti challenges that assumption. She explains that leaders frequently try to create a perfect plan or appear to have all the answers, which can actually prevent effective leadership during times of change. Instead, leaders need to be adaptable and open to learning as the pace of change accelerates. Patti highlights that “the world we live in is constantly evolving, and we need to adapt to keep up.”

The Mindset for Making Waves

Patti introduces the concept of making waves in leadership, which refers to initiating change and pushing through uncertainty. “When you’re making waves, you’re driving change in your organization,” she explains. Whether it’s a personal project or a major business initiative, the ability to take action in the face of ambiguity defines successful leaders.

A major takeaway from the episode is the belief that “I’ll figure it out.” According to Patti, this mindset allows leaders to be flexible and resilient during times of change. It’s not about knowing everything from the start but rather about being willing to learn and initiate change confidently.

The “Think, Know, Do” Framework

To help leaders navigate change effectively, Patti outlines her Think, Know, Do framework—a model that gives leaders a structured approach to leading through change:

• Think: Understand what you’re bringing to the table, including your strengths, fears, and motivations. “Know what you have to manage around,” says Patti. It’s crucial to reflect on how these personal traits may impact your ability to initiate change.
• Know: Ask yourself, “What do I need to learn that I don’t already know?” Curiosity and continuous learning are key traits of leaders who are successful at making waves in leadership.
• Do: Take action—but start small. “Don’t make getting started feel overwhelming,” Patti advises. She encourages adaptive planning, where leaders adjust their plans as they gain more knowledge and insight.

Effective Communication During Change

One of the most critical elements of leading through change is clear, consistent communication. “If you set the expectation that everything will go smoothly, you’re setting yourself up for failure,” warns Patti. Instead, leaders should be transparent and realistic, acknowledging that there will be challenges along the way. Honest communication not only builds trust but also helps teams stay aligned with the overall vision.

Patti also emphasizes the importance of involving others in the process of initiating change. Creating an “idea circle” with diverse perspectives can help leaders gather valuable feedback and expertise. As Patti explains, “Most change is not a solo sport. You need others to help you figure it out.” Having a supportive network during times of change can prevent isolation and increase the likelihood of success.

Take the First Step in Making Waves

The episode concludes with an empowering message: anyone can begin making waves in leadership. Whether you’re a senior executive or a team leader, you have the power to start meaningful change. “Take the first baby step,” Patti advises. “Don’t wait for someone else to initiate it—start making waves yourself.”

Where to Find More From Patti B. Johnson

If you enjoyed this episode, you can connect with Patti by:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Visit her website: pattibjohnson.com
• Listen to her podcast: Be a Wave Maker: Conversations on Change
• Buy Her Book: Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life

At Crestcom, we understand that effective leadership development is essential to helping leaders embrace change. Our programs equip leaders with the tools to adapt, communicate effectively, and drive change within their organizations. If you’re ready to take the first step toward leading through change, request a free leadership workshop and learn how to develop the skills you need to make waves in your leadership journey.

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