Emerging Insights, 12 March 2025
Ever feel like leading change is like herding cats? Here’s a Better Way to Lead.
Let’s be real – change sounds great… until it happens to you.
You know the drill. You hear:
“Exciting news! We’re rolling out a BIG change!”
And your gut reaction?
A) Amazing! I can’t wait to learn a whole new system while juggling everything else!
B) Wait… what’s changing now? And why am I just hearing about this?
C) I suddenly need coffee. A lot of coffee.
Here’s the thing, most people don’t mind change. What they really resist is being changed. Especially when it feels forced, disruptive, or, let’s be honest, a little pointless.
But here’s the twist…
While people resist change, they love to grow.
That feeling of progress, of cracking a tough problem, of getting better at something meaningful – that’s what excites people.
And that’s where leadership comes in. Do we force change? Or do we create space for growth?
Because when we lead with growth, we don’t just help people adapt – we help them thrive.
🚀 Want to lead change in a way that actually works?
🎥 Watch this quick video to discover the shift that makes all the difference!
👀 No time to watch? Scroll down for the full written version.
Change vs Growth: A Wise Leader’s Superpower
Let’s talk about change. You know, that thing we all say we’re open to… until, of course, it’s happening to us.
Be honest—when you hear, “Exciting news! We’re rolling out a BIG change!”—what’s your gut reaction?
A. Amazing! I can’t wait to learn a whole new system while juggling everything else.
B. Wait, what’s changing now? And why? And why am I just hearing about this now?
C. I suddenly need coffee. A lot of coffee.
Here’s the thing, most people don’t mind change. What they really hate is being changed … the kind of change that feels forced, disruptive, completely out of their control, and let’s be honest, sometimes a little pointless.
It’s like someone sneaking into your house and rearranging your furniture in the dark. You wake up, stub your toe, and wonder why your couch is in the kitchen.
But here’s the twist: while people may resist change, they love to grow—or at least, the feeling of growing.
That sense of progress, of cracking a tough problem, expanding your capabilities, or realising, “Hey, I’m actually getting better at this!”—that can be addictive.
Especially when it happens while being involved in something meaningful, something that actually makes a difference.
And this is where leaders, the wise ones, can really change the game.
What if, instead of just managing change, you became the kind of leader who helps people—grow through it?
What if change wasn’t something to brace for—but an opportunity to step into something bigger, with confidence and ownership?
Because when leaders focus on growth, something amazing happens…
🔥 They unlock the genius in their people.
💡 They stop being the hero and start being the guide.
✨ They don’t just inspire—they get inspired by their people’s brilliance.
That’s, when real transformation happens, not just for them, but for your entire organisation.
And here’s the best part: it’s not about forcing change or convincing people to “get on board.” It’s about creating the right conditions where people naturally step into their own brilliance.
So, how can you do this?
Well, here are three simple guiding principles (plus a BONUS one, because leadership should be fun).
🔥 Make it meaningful.
Change isn’t just about doing things differently—it’s about making it matter. If people don’t see the why, they won’t care about the how. Show them how it connects to something bigger, something worth growing into.
🌱 Create space for growth.
Growth doesn’t happen under a microscope. People need room to experiment, learn, contribute, and yes—sometimes mess up. Because progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about momentum.
💡 Be the guide, not the hero.
Your job isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to light the path, make room for others to lead, and create a culture where people own the transformation. The best leaders don’t just inspire others—they appreciate and get excited by the brilliance around them.
🎭 BONUS: Lighten up!
When we get too serious, we get stupid. Ever notice how your best ideas come when you’re relaxed?
A sense of humour breaks resistance, it builds connection, and it makes even big change feel ‘somewhat’ manageable.
So, take the work seriously, but not yourself. A little lightness might just be your greatest leadership tool.
When you lead FOR growth, people don’t just survive change—they thrive in it. They step up. They take ownership.
They become more engaged, more adaptable, and more invested in what they’re building.
And instead of dragging them through change, you help them own it, shape it, and even lead it.
When you’re truly excited by their potential, your people can’t help but be inspired by you.
They’ll give their best because you’ve unlocked their brilliance.
And when you create that environment, change doesn’t feel like an obstacle—it feels like a transformation.
Now, here’s something to think about…
What if,… what if the way you lead change isn’t just shaping your team, but shaping the kind of leader you become?
Because in the end, it’s not about navigating change,… it’s about growing through it.
So here is my question to you:
What’s one shift you could make today to help someone grow through change?
Let’s talk. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or simply reach out and let’s keep this conversation going.
See you out there. 🚀
With gratitude,
Mike
P.S. These are the kinds of conversations I love having with leaders like you. If you’re working through a challenge and want to explore a fresh perspective, let’s connect. Reply to this email. 🚀
P.P.S. If today’s message sparked something in you, you’ll love my book, VANTAGE POINT. It’s all about shifting perspectives, leading wisely, and making an impact in complex times. Check it out here: 🌟
“Mike Schwarzer’s book, ‘VANTAGE POINT: cutting through the bullsh*t of a complex world,’ serves as both the torch and compass that illuminate the way and guide us as we step into uncharted territory, embark on new explorations, and pioneer innovative paths.
”Gabriella Sprott, Director & Co-Founder @ ShowMe Exchange, Australia
VANTAGE POINT’s essence lies in preparing leaders for the unfolding challenges and future developments, not just in the realm of AI, but also in all the contributing factors that shape our complex world. It’s about elevating human consciousness, transcending the limitations of our ego-minds, and giving us hope to make our world a better place.
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About Mike Schwarzer
Mike is a Transformation Facilitator and Learning Leader who is passionate about helping leaders and organisations to solve the problems that they have not been able to solve elsewhere.
He works with the underlying mental, behavioural and deeper innate dynamics that drive people’s and organisations’ thinking and actions. He creates and holds the space where they learn how to tap into their inner and outer capabilities in transformational ways and lift their perceptual abilities to see their world, its problems and emerging solutions with fresh eyes.
At the organisational level, Mike’s approach challenges the status quo and hierarchical thinking. He takes you into the world of living ‘open & adaptive’ systems and their self-organising nature. From there you will be able to create a workplace culture that naturally draws from the collective wisdom of all its people and that is highly adaptable to the changing winds of a complex world.
For more information about Mike visit www.mikeschwarzer.com.