4 Proven Strategies University Leaders Use to Navigate Disruption and Drive Success

In a world where rapid change is the new normal, business leaders face many challenges. This is especially true for social-purpose organizations, like universities, hospitals, and NGOs, which deal with various complexities.

One key idea that’s gaining traction is “sense-making.” This concept, introduced by organizational theorist Karl Weick, is about helping people understand their environments. Particularly during chaotic times, it provides a framework for leaders to tackle difficulties more effectively.

In my research, I spoke with over two dozen senior leaders from institutions across Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, many from the education sector. These leaders often tapped into sense-making strategies without even realizing it. As one leader noted, it’s essential to guide their communities in understanding the situations they find themselves in.

Deborah Ancona, a management professor at MIT, emphasizes that sense-making becomes crucial when our view of the world turns confusing. This is typical in times of disruption when unexpected changes arise.

Social-purpose organizations frequently deal with funding shortages, fragmented systems, and various competing interests. According to Professor Karthik Ramana, we live in what he calls “the age of outrage,” marked by rising polarization and emotional volatility. This environment makes it tough to attract and retain effective leaders.

Many of these leaders feel unprepared for their roles, as there’s often a lack of training and support. The complexity of their organizations is sometimes underestimated, resembling the story from David Foster Wallace about two fish who don’t even notice they’re swimming in water. This reflects how leaders can overlook the intricate challenges within their environments.

These organizations operate as complex adaptive systems. Leaders discover that they are not just managing traditional businesses but navigating fluid situations where interactions create unpredictable behaviors. So, how do they adapt to these challenges? They anchor their efforts in purpose, offering clarity and unity to their teams and stakeholders.

From my research, I identified four main strategies leaders employ in sense-making:

• Exploration and map-making: Leaders gather information from various sources, allowing them to adapt their approaches continuously. It’s similar to how Google Maps provides live updates on routes.
• Storytelling: Crafting narratives helps leaders connect emotionally with their teams and stakeholders, fostering alignment and engagement.
• Invention and improvisation: Testing new ideas allows leaders to learn quickly and address challenges as they arise, avoiding paralysis by analysis.
• Adaptation and collaboration: Working with other organizations helps leaders gather resources and stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape.

To be effective, leaders need to prioritize a sense-making mindset. This involves understanding that building aligned teams takes time and effort, not just occasional team-building exercises. Many leaders are shifting away from rigid strategic plans to more flexible frameworks that adapt to their needs.

It’s crucial to remember that leadership can feel isolating. Social-purpose leaders should seek mentors and build supportive networks. Facing criticism is inevitable, but finding strength in their roles can help them endure challenges. Moreover, hiring diverse talent can prepare organizations for change rather than reinforce the status quo.

By embracing the complexities of their roles and utilizing sense-making techniques, leaders can better navigate the disruptions of today’s world.

Source link