Whether personally or professionally, we’re creating change all the time. Sometimes it’s on purpose. Sometimes it’s by default or by accident. Sometimes it’s because it’s been imposed upon us from outside of our control. But it’s happening all the time. There’s a lot (a lot!) we can do to get better at change, whether it’s a choice or it’s external. One …
What “change” is – really
Change is a reaction. Or perhaps I should say: the decision to change is a reaction. A reaction to … something. That “something” could be any number of things: significant economic or market factors, a leader’s insecurity and / or “shiny object syndrome,” a perception of new opportunities, unhealthy cultural shifts, and so on. On a personal level, it could be …
Who defines respect?
Respect is a key element of trust. It’s impossible to trust someone you don’t respect. (I’d argue it is possible to respect someone you don’t trust, but that’s a whole different conversation.) As leaders, we can say we respect our people – but – news flash – what we think or say doesn’t matter. What does matter is what they …
I don’t like change. (Wait. What?)
Was that a clickbait title? The thing is, I generally don’t like change. Just ask my husband; he’ll vouch for the truth of that statement. And that’s probably why I’ve studied change, learning how people react and / or respond to change, in order, in part at least, to understand my own reactions and manage them better. I look at …
Who are you?
Who are you? It’s one of those existential things that many – myself included – grapple with. My husband has been known to frown in introspective perplexity and say, “I don’t even know who I am!” I’m sure that’s something most of us can identify with – again, myself included. Especially post-pandemic, when we all questioned a lot of things …
What’s all around you?
That’s not a trick question. But it is an important question. What’s all around you? What do you see every day? What’s become so familiar to your eyes and brain that you don’t even see it any more? If you want to influence change, whether for yourself personally or for your team or organization, this is something to think about. Our …
Is help hiding in plain sight?
A potential change ally might be right in front of you. Perfect example: I was talking with someone who was supporting much-needed change within her organization. The change was mandated (for good reason) from senior leadership; she’s not directly responsible, but she does have influence. We spent a little time talking about the people actively resisting the change, and why …
“Professional” may be over-rated
I had a blast at the OHIMA24 conference last week. My Change Leadership talk on Tuesday morning was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever done (and I’ve been giving that talk for years). I’m not basing that opinion only on my own experience (I’m not that egotistical!). I’m basing it on audience response, during and after the presentation. And, …
A New Model for Change
I’ve often said that I’m not a fan of models and blueprints. And yet, despite that fact, I’m here to write about a model of change. Why? Because this isn’t a model of how to do change. It’s a model of the factors that impact change, regardless of what type of change it is, and regardless of whether or not it succeeds. …
Do you communicate?
Once upon a time, I met a business consultant who told me she never advises her clients to communicate about change. “Just do the change,” she said. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I excused myself and went to talk with someone else. Not letting people know about what’s coming and why – it is, as I’m sure you’re …