The tenacious change-agent

We asked James Connelly about being The Tenacious Change-Agent

James, your Conker Inside results gave you a profile of The Tenacious Change Agent. How much did you see yourself in there?

Uncanny. I shared it with my team who certainly validated it… The only area I would challenge is ‘not always listen or take into account other’s perspective’ as I am the type that crowd sources solutions, but I do tend to go with my view unless I hear a better option.

Of all the attributes, which is the one that’s given you the most challenges across your career?

Someone I managed once said to me ‘If I don’t hear from you then I know I’m doing ok’ which opened my eyes for the need to be more ‘emotionally’ in tune with leading people. My development is to switch to more ‘coach’ than ‘manager’ and by being so outcome focused, that can be difficult.

And which would you consider to be your superpower?

Assembling high performing teams –Finding great talent, providing a common mission and creating an environment where people are motivated by growth and collaboration. I find once you have your core team firing, anything is possible and that attitude filters to the entire company. It’s the easiest way to create change .

What one piece of advice would you offer to other Tenacious Change Agents?

Enjoy the journey, it’s not all about the destination. Smell the roses….