Transformation is like the changing of seasons. Imagine clinging to autumn leaves, unwilling to release them as winter approaches. Without letting go, spring’s new growth cannot emerge. In this second blog of our Leading Transformation with Purpose series, we explore how leaders can navigate both releasing outdated ways of working and staying open to new possibilities.
The Challenge of Letting Go
Letting go is rarely easy. Familiarity feels safe, even when it holds us back. Leaders often encounter resistance, both within themselves and their teams, when trying to release outdated ways of thinking or working. Past successes, ingrained habits and deep-rooted fears can form invisible barriers to progress.
Imagine your leadership team agrees to move toward agile practices, however, struggles to let go of the rigid processes you’ve relied on for years. Intellectually, you know that flexibility is essential, but emotionally, you feel exposed without the structure you all know and trust.
The first step to letting go is naming what no longer serves us.
Acknowledging fears and outdated practices allows us to confront discomfort directly, rather than avoid it.
Staying Open to New Possibilities
Whilst releasing old patterns, we can find ourselves in an uncomfortable space filled with uncertainty. This gap is where transformation begins, requiring both experimentation and perseverance for the new to take root and eventually flourish.
Like scientists testing hypotheses, we need to try new approaches without fearing failure. The goal is not perfection but learning through trial and discovery. Every attempt—whether it succeeds or not—offers insights that guide the next step.
Here are a few experiments to try as you lead transformation with purpose:
- Test new meeting formats that allow time for reflection, creativity or brainstorming.
- Pilot a “fail fast, learn faster” approach, by encouraging your team to share lessons from what didn’t work.
- Celebrate persistence, not just success, by recognising efforts to overcome challenges, even when outcomes fall short.
Transformation isn’t linear. There will be setbacks and slow progress, however perseverance keeps things moving forward. Staying committed, even when the path is unclear, allows growth and progress to unfold in its own time.
Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Grief and Hope
Letting go can stir up grief, especially when we are called to release beliefs, practices or achievements tied to personal or team pride or identity. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions rather than ignore them.
At the same time, embracing what’s next means fostering hope—the belief that something new and meaningful will emerge.
What if we made room for both grief and hope?
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It can be helpful to acknowledge what we’re letting go of through conversations, symbolic actions, or shared stories, while also focusing on the future by setting intentions and exploring new possibilities together. Honouring both grief and hope allows us to move forward with grace—acknowledging what’s been lost or shed while trusting that something new and meaningful will take its place.
As you reflect on your own transformation, consider:
- What beliefs, mindsets, behaviours or practices are you holding on to that no longer serves you or your team?
- What fears or assumptions might be holding back progress?
- How can you create space for new ideas to emerge?
"In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself." — Deepak Chopra
Join us next week as we wrap up the series with a look at how Genuine and Authentic Connection helps bring transformation to life.
Photo by Екатерина Грушевская, Dan Price and Ales Maze on Unsplash
