Unlocking Engagement: Renée Lertzman on Leading Change with Courage and Compassion

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna hosts Dr. Renée Lertzman, a psychologist and strategist renowned for her expertise in change management. Renée shares her journey and insights on fostering genuine engagement within organizations, offering invaluable lessons learned along the way.

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

She emphasizes the significance of intrinsic motivation in engaging people effectively. She challenges the traditional mindset by stating, “What if our role is truly not to push or cheerlead or educate or raise awareness? What if it’s actually about enabling and partnering?” This shift from pushing information to fostering authentic partnerships can create a thriving environment for teams.

Compassion and Self-Love in Leadership

A crucial aspect of effective leadership, according to Renée, is the role of compassion and self-love. She highlights, 

“We have a sensor for authenticity. And what we’re needing are leaders who are real and openly investing in their own development as human beings.”

This inner work supports the development of genuine connections within organizations.

Building Resilience in Volatile Times

In today’s volatile environment, developing resilience is essential. Renée discusses the need to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth:

 “How do we learn how to grieve productively? How do we learn how to celebrate learnings?”

This perspective enables employees to adapt more effectively to change.

Exploring the Psychology of Courage

The conversation delves into the psychology of courage, urging leaders to create spaces where individuals feel safe to take risks. Renée asks:

 “What are the conditions that enable and allow us to access our courage?” 

By focusing on these conditions, organizations can support risk-taking and innovation.

Practical Exercises for Meaningful Engagement

Renée introduces practical exercises designed to shift dynamics from pushing information to engaging in meaningful dialogue. These exercises involve prompts that encourage individuals to explore their experiences and listen actively to others, fostering a more collaborative atmosphere.

The Future of Change Leadership

Looking towards the future, Renée envisions change leaders as facilitators of transformation. These leaders guide their teams with a focus on care and understanding, moving away from mechanistic approaches toward more nuanced psychological strategies.

Unlocking Potential Through Psychological Innovation

Renée concludes by calling for a paradigm shift in leadership. By embracing psychological innovation, organizations can unlock greater potential and drive meaningful change in an increasingly complex world. This episode offers valuable insights into transforming organizational culture through psychological expertise, providing listeners with practical strategies to enhance engagement and resilience in their teams.

Tune in to this episode to better understand how true engagement is capable of driving meaningful change in organizations.

If this discussion resonates with you, check out the episodes from Bob Chapman and Amy Edmonson.