Mahatma Gandhi epitomizes the effective change agent. In my opinion, he was not only the Twentieth Century's greatest change agent but also its greatest leader. Are you looking for change agents in your organization? Let's explore desirable qualities for change agents exemplified by Gandhi. He believed in the Hindu religion, which, from what … [Read more...]
A Wild Horse Called Chaos
Is chaos like a wild horse? The root for the word "manage" is an Italian word that means "to train a horse." Inhumane horse trainers (managers) see a rebellious animal who must adjust to a new environment. They transform the horse through a process they call "breaking." They break the will of the horse so it submits to the will of the human. … [Read more...]
Ban Crackberries from Meetings?
Todd Wilkens advocates banning crackberries from all meetings. I agree with Todd that people distracted by emails and phone calls aren't focused and become impediments to an effective meeting. But, in my experience, too many organizations have terribly ineffective meetings. If your organization's meetings are terrible, will a ban on crackberries … [Read more...]
Elements of Effective Management
I am fortunate to have worked on a team led by Anne Cawley early in my career. Experience working with her enabled me to know, rather than speculate, about the power of an effective manager. What elements of her management style made her effective? Congruence: She conversed with members of her team as equals rather than … [Read more...]
BOGSAT Intervention
You have heard of the fog of war. But have you heard of a BOGSAT -- Big Official Group Sitting Around Talking? It's a disease that infects organizations. Let me share with you a story about a BOGSAT intervention. I am an expert at leading meetings. I have a natural talent for following and guiding a meeting so the participants produce results … [Read more...]