Leading Through Change and Innovation
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Ashley Wright
Livestock Area Associate Agent
The University of Arizona
Vail
Abstract
In today’s challenging climate, effective leadership requires navigating change of all kinds. This became especially relevant when the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered our world and our work environments overnight. Teams were expected to pivot quickly, finding new ways to engage stakeholder audiences amid a global crisis that impacted everyone. While life has mostly returned to normal, technological advances, such as the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), have emerged, transforming society and challenging the status quo. If anything has transpired as a lesson in the last five years, it’s that there will always be new challenges and opportunities to face, and a critical ability for any leader is guiding teams through those challenges effectively. Five key skills are necessary for a leader to successfully bring their team through a period of change to thrive in a new reality:
Embracing Change: Change is inevitable, whether driven by external forces (shifts in audience needs, stakeholder needs, technological advancements) or internal needs (process improvements, cultural shifts). Leaders must champion adaptability, encouraging teams to view change as an opportunity rather than a disruption.
Innovation Imperative: Innovation fuels growth. Leaders who cultivate a culture of creativity and experimentation empower their teams to think beyond the status quo. By fostering an environment where calculated risks are encouraged, breakthrough solutions emerge. Failure should be celebrated, not feared, as it is a sign of a culture that encourages this innovation.
Navigating Resistance: Change often meets resistance. Effective leaders anticipate this and address it head-on. Communication, empathy, and transparency are essential. Leaders must articulate the “why” behind change, assuage fears, and actively listen to concerns.
Leading by Example: Leaders who model agility, curiosity, and resilience inspire their teams. By embracing change themselves, they set the tone for organizational adaptability. Innovation becomes contagious when leaders embody it.
Measuring Impact: Innovation without impact is futile. Leaders must define success metrics, track progress, and celebrate wins. Whether it’s streamlining processes, creating new approaches to programming, tangible outcomes matter to stakeholders and funders.
Authors: Ashley Wright, Jose Arocho, Tyrone Fisher, Edward Olsen
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Ashley Wright Livestock Area Associate Agent, University of Arizona, Arizona, 85641
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Jose Arocho Agriculture Agent, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, 00767
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Tyrone Fisher County Extension Director, NCSU/Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 27278
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Edward Olsen Consumer Horticulture Specialist and Extension Master Gardener Program Director, Virginia Tech, Virginia, 24061