Leading Change Conversations

In this episode, Ulrike delves into Oksana Prokhorova's experience—a seasoned change leader in manufacturing who excelled in large corporations but faced challenges implementing change in a tech startup. Despite her success in managing change for sizable teams, Oksana's proven methods failed in the startup environment.

Unlike corporate settings, startup members are deeply connected to their projects and reluctant to proven corporate initiatives. This particularly strong sense of ownership led to resistance against necessary changes for growth. Startup members, deeply connected to their projects, were reluctant to proven corporate initiatives. Oksana, with her non-startup background, faced unparalleled resistance, making the change process a lonely endeavor. Quickly initiating changes without building a foundation for trust and collaboration, Oksana was perceived as someone destroying their dream with her proposals.

Proposing a solution, Ulrike suggests acknowledging the emotional implications of implementing structures in startups. She emphasizes actively managing expectations with startup stakeholders before starting any change process, making it a condition to address the fundamental differences in thinking before commencing work. Despite the risk of rejection, open and confronting discussions are crucial for aligning perspectives and achieving successful collaboration.

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If you want to improve your own skills in leading change or communicating more effectively check out Ulrike’s online live courses for individuals here. 

Until next time, keep leading, keep learning, and making a difference!

Oksana is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP and change management enthusiast who moved 4 countries, 5 industries and shifted from 20 years of transformational change management in some of the world’s largest companies to a small tech startup.

Ulrike is a globally operating coach, trainer, and consultant who brings a wealth of experience as a former C-level executive to her expertise in authentic leadership and impactful communication. By blending the latest self-development methodologies with her extensive practical experience in leading across all levels of hierarchy, she enables leaders to establish trust and lead change through effective communication. Ulrike's clients benefit from her pragmatic and user-friendly tools that enable them to make lasting improvements.

Website: https://ulrikeseminati.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikeseminati/

Email: contact@ulrikeseminati.com