Shift & Thrive: CEO Insights on Driving Change

Today, we're honored to have Matt McGrath, the President and CEO of Systems Engineering, as our esteemed guest. Matt delves into his journey of steering his company's evolution from a value-added reseller to a managed service provider. He emphasizes the pivotal role of trust, effective communication, and prioritizing security in driving successful organizational transformation. With a rich background spanning teaching and spearheading IT overhauls Matt emphasizes the nuanced nature of change management, blending both artistry and scientific principles. He stresses the ongoing importance of self-education, embracing diverse viewpoints, and how technology intersects with leadership in today's rapidly changing business arena. Throughout the discussion, Matt offers practical wisdom on tackling change hurdles, the significance of nurturing a supportive culture during transformational phases and striking the right balance between internal growth and external expertise.
 
Takeaways:
  • Recognize that mastering change management is both an art and a science. Dive into the theory behind change to understand its frameworks and models, but also appreciate the nuanced, human-centric approach needed to navigate it effectively in practice.
  • Understand that driving change is inherently challenging. It requires more than just a directive—it’s about inspiring, persuading, and mobilizing people towards a common vision. This process is complex and multifaceted, demanding patience and resilience.
  • Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and change management. Assess and build the level of trust you have within your organization. This could mean being more transparent with your intentions, listening actively, and involving your team in decision-making processes to foster a culture of openness and respect.
  • Ensure that your communication strategy is comprehensive, reaching every single layer of the organization. Be prepared to communicate your vision and the change process repeatedly. Repetition aids understanding and acceptance, helping to align the team’s efforts toward achieving the desired change.
  • Change management is an evolving field. Stay informed about the latest research, theories, and best practices. Be a voracious learner, whether through formal education, reading, or engaging in meaningful discussions with peers. This knowledge will empower you to apply the science of change effectively.
  • Leading through change demands resilience. Embrace the inevitable setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Encourage an organizational culture that values adaptability, where team members feel supported in experimenting, taking risks, and contributing ideas toward the change effort.
  • As a leader, your actions set the tone. To effectively drive change, embody the qualities you wish to see in your team. This means being proactive, transparent, and consistent in your actions and decisions. Your commitment to change, demonstrated through your actions, will inspire others to follow suit.

Quote of the Show:
  • “The world around us, technology, business, it is evolving so quickly that we have to be in a mode of being prepared for change. Assuming that change is coming at us at all times.” - Matt McGrath
  • “We're led to believe that disagreement has to be a dramatic thing. It's got to be a big statement. As you get older, you realize that's not true. You can, you can disagree with somebody or state your point in a way that's additive to the discussion.” - Matt McGrath
  • “Trust your gut and be willing to respectfully state your point, even if it's contrary to the prevailing thought in the room.” - Matt McGrath

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This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 
Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

Creators & Guests

Host
Natalie Nathanson
Producer
Bjorn Bauge

What is Shift & Thrive: CEO Insights on Driving Change?

In today’s business world change is the only constant, and mastering transformation is the ultimate key to success. Welcome to Shift & Thrive!

Each week, Host Natalie Nathanson will bring you conversations with CEOs, who delve into how they successfully drove critical change in their organization.

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency.