Leveling Up: Three Executive Moves that Drive Real Change

Leveling Up: Three Executive Moves that Drive Real Change

As a Catalyst, you see possibilities where others see problems. You absorb information rapidly, envision better futures, and can't stop yourself from moving to action. But raw vision and a high tolerance for chaos won't drive transformation at scale. If you want to operate at an executive level - whether or not you have the title - you need to refine how you navigate systems, influence stakeholders, and gain momentum for your ideas.

We recently compared interviews with Executive Catalysts to our original research with more Junior Catalysts. We discovered distinct differentiators between the two, and how they go about making an impact at each phase of a project.

The chart above lays out all the details, but let's examine three standout Executive Catalyst traits: aligning with organizational priorities, crafting compelling visions, and leading change with humility.

Upskill #1: Choose Your Battles Strategically💡

Catalysts often struggle with prioritization because you see infinite possibilities in every challenge. But, not all problems carry equal weight in the organization. If leadership doesn’t see your initiative as urgent or strategically relevant, you’ll be pushing it uphill in a hailstorm.

Before committing your energy, ask yourself:

• Does this align with business priorities? If not, leadership won’t invest in it. Not sure? Ask your leadership to review corporate strategy with you.
• Is the business ready operationally to pursue this opportunity? Even the biggest opportunities may be off the table if the organization doesn’t have the right skills or market presence to go after it.
• Is this the right opportunity for me to pursue? We’re not suggesting you limit yourself to just your box of responsibilities, but leadership will appreciate you fixing your own house first before suggesting repairs to others.

The most effective Catalysts choose opportunities that make an impact leadership wants made.

Upskill #2: Frame Your Vision to Ignite Action🚀 

If your strategically aligned ideas aren't gaining traction, the roadblock isn't your vision—it's how you're positioning it.  Executive Catalysts know that framing is critical, and that it’s accomplished by speaking to people where they are. Their lived experience, fears and needs, but also the unifying insight of strategic fit and the big picture. How can you upskill in this area?

For every one of your ideas be prepared to answer:

• Why now instead of later? If the urgency isn’t clear, people won’t prioritize it. It’s also an excellent way for you to assess whether you should be spending your valuable energy on this idea versus something more compelling.
• Why does this matter to leadership? Nobody wants to waste time and energy on work leadership doesn’t find valuable, and sometimes it’s hard for others to see why they should jump on your bandwagon. Framing your idea within strategic objectives unifies cross-functional groups around a common reason for doing something.
• Why does this matter to the person you’re speaking to? On the other hand, people support opportunities that help them succeed personally. Will this idea make a customer service rep’s work easier? Give an individual contributor a new skill? Different constituents will be motivated by different benefits. Not sure what those might be? Ask them!

Instead of pushing a fully formed solution, invite stakeholders into the process. Change sticks when people feel ownership over it.
 
Upskill #3: Lead with Curiosity, Not Certainty🔍

Catalysts often exhaust their energy—and burn valuable bridges—trying to convince others they're right. But are you?

Even Catalysts who are on the right track can benefit from the advice of others.

One Executive Catalyst we know emphasized this with an observation of her own former communication style. “I cringe now when I think of how I used to speak to people. I was always trying to convince them rather than really hear their ideas and concerns. Not exactly humble!”

What’s the Executive Catalyst alternative to defensiveness and pushback? Treat your journey as one of co-creation and team building. Go into every conversation expecting to learn instead of preparing to defend, and you’ll build not only a better solution but a trusting group of influencers and advocates.

“Resistance isn’t failure - it’s information. It tells you what people are worried about and where you need to adjust. Executive Catalysts don’t fight resistance; they learn from it.” - Shannon and Tracey

You don’t need an executive title to drive change like one. Apply these strategies and you’ll make a more meaningful, sustainable impact – without burning out. Start building your Executive Catalyst skills today.

Begin the Upskilling Process

• Have a question or need advice? Respond to this email and we’ll be happy to help!
• Want to get more tools to help you lead change in your organization (and meet a lot of other great Catalysts like you)? Check out our Catalyzing Organizational Change Course.
• Want to get some deeper dives into a variety of Catalyst-inspiring topics? Jump to our podcast page.