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
leadership
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
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
Be Part of the Solution, Part II
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” -Bishop Desmond Tutu As a follow-up to last week’s blog encouraging us all to be part of the solution to the many problems our country has with institutionalized, systemic racism, I have a special message now for my white brothers and sisters. Everyone else can read along. It … [Read more...] about Be Part of the Solution, Part II
Leading Innovation
As leaders, we all want to support and lead innovation in our organizations. Unfortunately, we can sometimes get in our own way. According to research reported in Harvard Business Review*, leaders can sometimes fall into five different kinds of traps that “derail” them from effectively leading innovation. Here are the traps and how to avoid them: *Unconscious Neglect … [Read more...] about Leading Innovation