Navigating Change and Uncertainty In the Workplace

The Lazy CEO Podcast

On an episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser welcomes April Rinne, author of the book "Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change." Rinne is introduced as a globalist and futurist with a diverse background. She discusses her book and its focus on embracing and thriving in a world of continuous and unpredictable change.

Rinne explains that change has always been present, but in the modern era, technology has increased our awareness of change, leading to heightened anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of developing a "Fluxx mindset," which views all change, even challenging change, as an opportunity for growth. Rinne contrasts this with a fixed mindset that resists change.

The discussion turns to the role of culture in shaping attitudes toward change. Rinne points out that cultures differ in their approaches to change, whether individualistic or collectivist. She also discusses how trust is crucial in dealing with change and cites examples from her research on different cultural perspectives on trust.

The conversation shifts to how leaders can foster a culture that embraces change. Rinne stresses the need for leaders to start with themselves, being open to change, and modeling the desired behavior. She introduces the concept of "cognitive trust" (reliability) and "emotional trust" (caring for one another), highlighting the importance of building both types of trust within an organization.

The podcast hosts explore the idea of vulnerability as a key element in building trust and creating a safe space for dealing with change. Rinne emphasizes that leaders must be willing to admit mistakes and vulnerabilities, which can increase trust and foster a culture of open communication.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the leadership qualities needed in a rapidly changing world. Rinne highlights the importance of comfort with ambiguity and a tolerance for uncertainty, stressing that acknowledging one's limitations and not having all the answers is an essential aspect of effective leadership in a world of constant change.