Illuminate

The Strength of “Torchbearers”

Successful, sustainable organizations need visionary “torchbearers” who have an extraordinary ability to see what’s coming. They must know how to seize opportunities and avoid disasters. To spark needed change and rally others to their vision, torchbearers must communicate effectively and consistently. Most people naturally resist change, especially when they feel they have more to gain if the status quo prevails. As a leader and a torchbearer, think about other people’s concerns and fears. Show them how change could benefit them.

Talk to your people and listen to them empathetically. When Anne M. Mulcahy became CEO of Xerox, she logged hundreds of thousands of miles in airplanes and spent thousands of hours listening to employees at all levels before generating change. Consider how your employees think and feel about your plans and how they are likely to respond. Remember, “Your idea is the spark, but you need others to carry the fire on the long trek ahead.”

Compare the steps that Louis Gerstner Jr. took when he became CEO of IBM to the actions Arthur S. Demoulas pursued at Market Basket. Gerstner went on an extended...