Workshop Kurt Lewin said, "There is nothing so practical as a good theory." A gift from pioneering family therapist Virginia Satir is a good theory about how people process change. The Satir Change Model describes the: five major stages of a change; transition between stages; effects each stage has on feelings, thinking, performance, and … [Read more...]
Selling Your Ideas to Management
DAVID: Ruth, I think we should buy the ABC software to track trouble tickets and issues. RUTH: There is no budget for that. DAVID: But it takes me days to put together the information you want about the state of the product. And without an automated collection mechanism, I think many problems aren't being reported. RUTH: Provide the best … [Read more...]
Gandhi and Change Agents
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...]
Segment Your Audience
Tips for managers who speak to large audiences about change. 1. Know your audience The members of your audience aren't like you. They don't think like you. They don't act like you. They are a mix of people who have different roles. They like to know that you are aware of them and their role so amplify your message by speaking directly to … [Read more...]
We Know Best
"We know better than they do about what's needed." Whenever you hear an influential member of your team utter those words, fasten your safety belt. The team is nearing the Twilight Zone. The person saying, "We know better than they do about what's needed," is referring to the customer. When decision-makers say "We don't have time for their … [Read more...]