More than one enthusiastic new CEO has told me “I plan to announce my vision at our first staff meeting” (usually said with a grin - sort of like “announce my presence with authority”). My general rule is that I don’t provide advice unless asked, and when I have been asked by a new CEO about this plan I have said “Well, you might consider holding off on that for a while.” … [Read more...] about You Can’t Announce a Shared Vision
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot
The popular “leading change” approach created by Dr. John Kotter – which I have been teaching for years – is focused on initiating a change with a “sense of urgency” and a Vision for the future. I get that and agree, but I am going to add something to his model the next time I teach it – and that is balancing Urgency with Timing. If you have a sense of urgency about a … [Read more...] about Don’t Throw Away Your Shot
Tips for Team Problem Solving
Part of your success will depend upon your ability to lead your team through effective problem-solving on a regular basis. One suggested process* for team problem-solving includes: *Define the Problem *Generate Solutions *Evaluate Solutions *Choose a Solution *Make a Plan These seem obvious and straightforward, yet – quite often – teams do not follow this … [Read more...] about Tips for Team Problem Solving
Update Your Environment Assessment
The world has changed dramatically in many different ways during the past few months. You know this and you have probably been working triple-overtime adjusting to all of changes. Suggestion: Call a brief time-out soon to take a good hard look at your new environment. Ask yourself and your team these questions with both the short-term and long-term in mind: What is … [Read more...] about Update Your Environment Assessment
Audacious Visions
Your organization may be going through some very challenging times right now. In the midst of uncertainty and challenge, a Vision for the future is ever more important. The most powerful Visions are developed by asking stakeholders about their dreams and aspirations, and then crafting a Vision that reflects that and inspires them. Visions look beyond the current … [Read more...] about Audacious Visions