Here's how you can master the key leadership skills for navigating change in Functional Training.

One important thing that I have learned along the way is that you must learn to work and thrive even when you are uncomfortable. This is when growth happens, and you really discover what you are capable of doing which is great things.

Human beings are generally creatures of habit and many people dislike change for the sake of change. That having been said, I feel that being open and receptive to change and maintaining the ability to "pivot" quickly and assimilate to changes faster than your peers or competitors is a critical skill l. As it applies to training, keeping up to date on the latest trends and learning styles can make you a more effective and dynamic leader or trainer.

1. Adaptability: Embrace and adapt to evolving trends, technologies, and client needs in the fitness industry. 2. Communication: Clearly convey the rationale behind changes and actively listen to feedback from trainers and clients. 3. Decision-making: Make informed decisions swiftly, considering both short-term impacts and long-term goals. 4. Team empowerment: Delegate effectively, trust team members' expertise, and encourage collaboration to drive innovation. 5. Resilience: Stay resilient in the face of challenges, maintaining motivation and inspiring confidence in your team. 6. Continuous learning: Stay updated with industry advancements and encourage ongoing professional development among your team.

Embracing adaptability is partially an attitude or a mindset. You mentally and energetically welcome the parts of you that say yes to change and resiliency. But it is also so much more than a mindset! I notice that I am less adaptable, flexible, resilient when my self-care falters. If I am not eating healthily, not getting enough rest... if I am hangry or dehydrated... then I tend to be more irritable and less flexible in my thinking and ability to bounce back. Doing my personal work, including trauma healing and meditation, has been invaluable! Develop the skills for becoming comfortable with discomfort. You can develop these by intentionally going to the edge of your comfort zone and leaning. Titrate selective discomfort intentionally.

Change is inevitable & you & your organisation but be willing to accept change & implement it in a fair & positive manner or get left behind & loose valuable staff.

Clarity in your communication is vital. You have to clearly connect the shared vision with the company’s current vision and show how the company will get there. The importance in showing how the company moves from the current vision to the desired shared vision has to be moved forward with a true understandability, acceptability, and answers the question of what is there for me - to relieve the stress and anxiety associated with all the possible unknowns and potential negative outcomes in achieving this desired shared vision goal. A clear stated commitment and the challenges clearly demonstrated must be part of the plan.

You cannot communicate clearly if you are internally unclear. Developing your interior clarity will greatly contribute to your becoming a powerful communicator. Knowing what you're feeling and needing, what you value, and noticing your assumptions/interpretations will contribute to communicating clearly! Communication is more than expressing yourself with clarity. It also involves how you listen! Most of us are trained to listen to respond rather than to understand! Curb your tendency to cut people off. Slow down and give people the experience of being understood. You will find that others are more likely to hear you out if they feel heard first. Also, check whether your intention is getting your way vs a mutually agreeable outcome.

A couple of things I’ve found helpful are: Providing enough detail so that the person with the least amount of understanding/experience with the topic feels transparency. There’s value in a pause during verbal presentation of information. The pause helps the listener process what you’re saying and is an opportunity for questions. Conscious listening to oneself and others will always make communication meaningful and powerful.

If you are the leader you must be able to communicate clearly your requirements & discuss a strategy of delivery to your team so they. Know then how to clearly communicate it down to those that will ultimately deliver the outcomes. This, along with good check-ins & regular team meetings to ensure schedules are on target & outcomes are being met & delivered on will lead to successful outcomes & less error.

One thing that you must have within your team is trust. Without trust when change occurs, it can create separation within the team, even if your team gets along. Listen to your team. Hear what they need and support them. This builds trust and when change happens and it will, the team will trust you will lead them in the right direction.

A good leader is one that can lead by example & willing to get their hands dirty. They will also be willing to listen to idea , encouraging others to highlight problems by coming to you & or the Team with the solution(s) & also accept fault when things may go off track.

I run several teams, and we always start with a brief check in. Why? For one, it helps us all feel more connected, which has its own benefits. It also helps people trust that they matter. But for the sake of the organization and the meeting, it gives us emotional context. If someone is having a rough day and is struggling, I would want to know! Encouraging team input is a leadership skill — but it is also much more than that! For team members to feel safe enough to speak up, for them to trust that their input is valued (whether or not it is used), for them to choose to be courageous on your team — yes, you can encourage it... but more so, it comes from the culture! Culture flows from the top. Learn how to cultivate this culture!

I find it helpful to meet people where they are. Explore resistance to change with curiosity and support. Naming fear of change, as an example, tends to shift something in groups as people begin to relate to one another on a more human level. For those who embrace change, this can provide a platform to offer support to those who need it.

In the realm of functional training, adaptability is a non-negotiable leadership skill. The ability to pivot and respond to new trends, technologies, and client expectations is crucial. Start by fostering a mindset of continuous learning within your team. Encourage them to stay informed about the latest training techniques and health insights. By being open to new ideas and willing to adjust your strategies, you can lead your team to embrace change rather than resist it. This proactive approach not only keeps your programs innovative but also instills confidence in your clients that they are receiving the most current and effective training.