Transformative Change Readiness for Learning & Leading
April 2023 Newsletter
Why is transformative learning crucial? Change occurs daily, ranging from obvious events like being assigned to a new team to subtle occurrences such as switching pen brands. However, learning to adapt to change doesn't always lead to progress; and in reality, it often generates subconscious resistance to our work environment. In contrast, transformative learning expands our understanding and compels us to progress. Once we embark on a transformative learning journey, we can't return to our former state because we've begun to unlearn our old ways. This month’s newsletter focuses on Transformative Change Readiness – priming ourselves and our workplaces to go beyond adapting to leading change instead.
Learning & Leading In Tension
This month marked the launch of our new podcast series titled "in tension," hosted by our Chief Creative Officer, Dr. Susan Gray. Our first episode, titled "Are we ready to thrive?" delves into the importance of preparing oneself for change before diving headfirst into it. In today's world, people continue to struggle emotionally, psychologically, and physically, due to the global pandemic. Healing is an essential prerequisite to thriving. As with any significant change in life or work, preparation is crucial. Therefore, it is vital that we ask ourselves: Are we ready - to learn, to change, to thrive?
Connect with or follow Dr. Susan Gray here to engage with her in conversation on new episodes.
Transformative Change Readiness for Cultivating Transformative Leadership
If preparation is essential for change, how do we get ready? In the past few months, we've developed and launched a series of Transformative Change Readiness videos, which we've shared with our current clients on their learning journeys with Canvas. These 15-minute videos draw upon research from leadership experts and neuroscientists to help participants understand why we tend to resist change, and how this knowledge can help cultivate the readiness and mindset for embracing change.
By embracing transformative learning, leaders create a climate that supports reflective dialogue, inclusion, and taps into the group's collective intelligence by recognizing its members' strengths and aligning values. Transformative leadership generates growth and learning for all.
Story as Leadership
An essential component of transformative change readiness is understanding who you are and what compelling reasons motivate you to change. Your story isn’t only what you tell others about yourself, but what you tell yourself about who you are - how you face conflict, your willingness to lean into the discomfort of change, and how you ignite growth in yourself and your community. In Route to the Top, our CEO, Jez Benton, connects with leaders to explore how they lead through finding meaning, tapping into their motivation, and maintaining moment despite, and often in spite, of the volatile and complex world around them.
This month we released our latest episode from Paul Lightfoot, General Manager at Patagonia Provisions. In this episode, he shares his journey about what compelled him to leave a career in law for sustainable agriculture.
A past guest, David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council was also recently featured in The Times: “David Tait: The child abuse survivor that turned heartbreak into gold” Hear his interview on Route to the Top.
Be Your Own Disruption
Culture change strategies developed in isolation from the people who must carry them out are likely to fail. Change requires a compelling reason to take place – and that compelling reason is unique to each individual. That is why it is essential to work with every level of the organization to help employees tap into their compelling reason to change and build a new culture in which everyone is thriving. What does this look like in action? Join us on LinkedIn Live every Thursday at 10:30 AM ET, to learn about Canvas’ approach to transformative learning in the workplace.
The intersection of human growth & organizational need
Transformative learning is essential because it creates a profound shift in our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. It helps us develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a greater capacity for empathy and compassion. It enables us to question our assumptions and biases, break free from limiting beliefs, and discover new perspectives that can lead to personal and professional growth.
In short, transformative learning is not just about adapting to change but also about embracing it and using it as a catalyst for positive transformation. By embarking on a transformative learning journey, we can unlock our full potential, both individually and collectively, and create a better future for ourselves and those around us – working at full capacity at the intersection of human growth and organizational need.
Want to learn more about transformative learning in organizations? Follow Canvas and connect with our leadership team on LinkedIn: