In the profession of music making there are no unimportant parts. Composers create compositions in which the parts for each instrument scored have a specific musical purpose; conductors make sure all of the parts fit together and that the composer’s intentions are properly executed; musicians are responsible for knowing how their individual part fits in… Read More
The Definition of Insanity…
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of being a part of a high school football coaching staff. The players which I coached were committed, hard-working, and competitive and possessed a similar talent and ability level relative to that of their competitors. Our coaches were experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated and knew how to… Read More
When they aren’t ready to eat the elephant…
Sometimes our clients aren’t ready to embrace the full-scale magnitude of the challenges before them. This means that they are also unlikely to develop or support comprehensive solutions to solve those challenges. So what should change leaders do in these situations? Feed the client the elephant, one bite at a time. I was working on… Read More
Strengthening Communication Campaigns with Engagement
Effective Change Tactics = Communication + Training + Engagement For me, effective change management tactics usually fall into one of these three categories: communication, training, or engagement. While each is important, the overall change can not be accomplished or sustained without some combination of all three. Communication goes hand in hand with training (imparting new… Read More
Rookie Mistake: The Danger of Hidden Assumptions, Values and Beliefs
I found myself furrowing my brow and scratching my head while talking to a client the other day. Dumbfounded by the direction of the conversation, I was thinking, “What is he thinking? Approaching the solution that way will only perpetuate the problem we are trying to solve!” Then I realized this: Clients don’t hire consultants… Read More
Making Meeting “Smoothies” – Blending Facilitation Techniques
I’ve been studying, experimenting, and practicing how to implement large group methods, like those described in The Change Handbook, in important meetings for years. To me, these methods are one of the keys to creating sustainable change, because they create the conditions for meeting participants to drive the conversation, and thus, the energy to do something… Read More
Four Simple Rules for Networking with Intent
When I started my consulting business three years ago, I knew that I needed to get a pulse on what was happening in and around my city so that I could better position and market my services. I spent the better part of six months attending different lunches, seminars, happy hours, conferences, and volunteering for… Read More
Powerful Data = Fuel for What’s Next
Do you get that queasy feeling when you think about delivering difficult messages to clients, peers, or members of your team? Do you avoid conflict at all costs? Do you sugar coat your feedback to soften the blow for others? Do you cringe in anticipation when others tell you that they would “like to give… Read More
Building Change Leaders, from the Ground Up
Where do we learn to lead change? For some of us, we start develop our skills in childhood. For me, team-based activities such as volleyball, precision figure skating, and marching band served as a significant learning laboratory for many of life’s lessons. I learned perseverance, sacrifice, leadership, and hard work. I also learned to help… Read More
Measuring Change at the Process and Outcome Levels
To determine the success of organizational changes, we need both outcome and process measures. Outcome measures help us understand what we’ve achieved. Process measures help us understand how our activities and efforts are unfolding and being received by others. The graphic below depicts the types of outcome and process measures that change leaders can help… Read More