What does it mean to be a Change-Seeker? The most effective leaders and team cultures may just be intentional about seeking the change they desire.

Jason explores the findings of the Harvard Global Leadership Development Study and the roadmap for building a "change-seeking" organizational culture.

Read the Complete Show Notes Here including the Harvard Global Leaders Study: https://www.jasonvbarger.com/podcast/change-seeking-leaders/

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Summary:

In a world where technology, market trends, and workplace expectations shift at lightning speed, how do the most effective organizations move from simply surviving to truly thriving? In this episode of The Thermostat, Jason V Barger examines a critical mandate from the recent Harvard Global Leadership Development Study: the necessity of cultivating a "change-seeking" organizational culture.

This conversation moves beyond standard change management theory to address the mindset required to stimulate progress. Jason breaks down his "6 A's of Leading Change"—a disciplined, intentional process that moves from initial assessment to permanent anchoring. He explores why most teams fail by jumping straight to action without alignment, and how executives can use clear language to drive the behaviors necessary for a future-proof corporate culture.

Essential listening for C-Suite executives, HR directors, and team leaders, this episode offers a tactical guide for anyone ready to challenge the status quo. Jason provides actionable insights on moving from "busyness" to effectiveness, ensuring that leadership in teams is rooted in a clear, shared vision for the road ahead.

Episode Notes & Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro: Jason sets the stage for a conversation on what it means to be a change seeker in a rapidly evolving world.

[00:03] The Harvard Mandate: An overview of the recent Global Leadership Development Study and its #1 recommendation for organizations looking to thrive in 2026.

[00:06] Defining the Change Seeker: Why looking in the mirror is the first step to improving systems, cultures, and team experiences.

[00:09] The Trap of "Busyness": Differentiating between being busy and being effective, and why leaders must resist the urge to jump to action without a process.

[00:10] The 6 A's Framework: Jason introduces the structured process for leading change: Assess, Align, Aspire, Articulate, Act, and Anchor.

[00:11] Step 1 & 2: Assess & Align: The importance of being brutally honest about your current state and building a sense of urgency across the team.

[00:12] Step 3 & 4: Aspire & Articulate: How painting a clear vision and using intentional language serves as the primary driver for desired behaviors.

[00:14] Step 5 & 6: Act & Anchor: Connecting vision to tangible action and embedding change into the organizational DNA through hiring, onboarding, and development.

[00:15] Leading with Intention: A closing reflection on why change is led by discipline and commitment rather than by accident.

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

Proactive Progress: Shift your team from a reactive posture to a "change-seeking" mindset that looks for improvement in every system.
Language Drives Behavior: Utilize clear, articulated values to ensure every team member understands the vision they are being asked to own.
Intentional Anchoring: Ensure the longevity of your initiatives by weaving change into your operational habits and leadership development programs.

Listen to the full episode and access show notes at: https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/change-seeking-leaders/

Bio: Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice.

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Change-Seeking Leaders and Cultures