How well you do mingle and discover concerns internally and externally? Do you ask questions? Do you uncover good and bad feelings?

I helped an organization transition their culture by asking my leaders what they liked and didn't like about what we were doing. I started with those who didn't agree with my leadership style. Next I polled the ones who were indifferent. Finally I saved the supporters for last (ended on a high note). Surprisingly most people agreed on the areas we needed to make changes.

I put together a team of people who came from each group. They had the one focus to make things better. I even appointed a chairperson who agreed with the direction we were headed. I rarely met with the team, except to cast vision and make a presence when she felt it was needed. 

The result was a strong group who spearheaded changes and allowed me to be their cheerleader, rather than the target of opposition. In fact, in one public town hall meeting, when a controversial question arose, I was about to give an answer and a member of the team stepped in front of me and answered the question on behalf of the group.

Later he smiled and said, "Better me than you!" I realized they were behind me one hundred percent by placing me behind them in front of the crowd. 

Do you ask questions and observe how your people react to customers, clients, each other and outsiders?  This is empowering leadership and reinvention at its best!