The pivot: How to embrace change and empower your workforce in a time of disruption

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The pivot: How to embrace change and empower your workforce in a time of disruption

18 Sep 2022

Jordan Winter

Jordan Winter is a journalist who wants to learn more and teach others about the world through storytelling. Dedicated to positive social change, her reporting is informed by years of experience writing, designing, and producing multimedia content for mission-driven publications and nonprofits.

As the creative director for Commercial Baking, Jordan is bringing life to the stories of diversity and sustainability in the commercial baking industry.

LAS VEGAS — We may not be able to control our circumstances, but we can change how we react to them. This lesson is especially important for the baking industry as businesses reel from supply chain disruptions and price volatility. But in a rapidly evolving world, Dr. Kelvin McCree, chief learning officer at Laser Focus Leadership Solutions, suggested that organizations get comfortable with change now.

During his presentation at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), being held Sept. 18-21 in Las Vegas, McCree urged leaders to embrace “the pivot.” By harnessing the power of organizational agility, teams can survive and thrive during even the most turbulent times. But leaning into change is easier said than done.

“We have emotional equity in the way we do things,” McCree said. “But change forces you to expand your capacity. And once your mind is expanded, it can never go back to the way it was. And we’re never going back to the way things were in 2019.”

Bakeries should always be adapting to the changing landscape of consumer preferences, sustainability standards and beyond, whether it’s embracing the brand’s social media presence or pursuing a new product line. McCree said leaders can infuse this attitude into their strategy for building a stronger, more resilient workforce. Leaders can be more proactive by leveraging two concepts: emotional accounting and cognitive reframing.

“Change forces you to expand your capacity. And once your mind is expanded, it can never go back to the way it was.” —Dr. Kelvin McCree | chief learning officer | Laser Focus Leadership Solutions

Emotional accounting can look like a supervisor asking team members: What are you thinking today? What are some of the thoughts you’re having about this change we’re going through at our company?

“This emotional accounting humanizes your team members and builds trust,” McCree said. “It lets them know that you are not just about driving sales but also helping them as a person to become better.”

Cognitive reframing is the ability to turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts. While change can be scary, businesses are forced to make a choice: Pivot or hope that the old model will carry you through. Oftentimes, the latter isn’t enough.

“Think about what kind of change we’re experiencing and how to embrace it,” McCree said. Survey the possibilities that change brings. What does it make available to you?”

The only certainty in life is uncertainty. What really matters is how leaders internalize it and communicate either the potential opportunities from that change … or the limitations set by it. Whichever path a leader chooses, McCree guaranteed their staff will notice.

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