Organizational Change and the Step-family

If life is like a box of chocolates, organizational change is like a relationship—and the step-parent is the change consultant.

AAR, Mateys!

An AAR is a great tool when used effectively. Used ineffectively, it becomes another blame game that corrodes morale and true collaboration. 

Ready…Aim…Fire!

Why do change efforts fail? Misalignment with vision? Lack of leadership? Poor planning? Weak WIIFM? (That's, What's in it for me?) Let's see...<opens textbook>...yep. All of the above. That's okay, you know the methodology. How to be an Influencer and Change Anything. How to overcome the Five Dysfunctions of a Team. So you create a …

Breaking Bad (Habits)

Where do we pick up our bad habits? Parents? Older siblings? Influential friends? Maybe, but I'll offer another—teachers. Yes, I said it—teachers. "Ok, class, your assignment is to write a 5,000-word essay." <collective groan> Well, esteemed teachers, it is my opinion, therefore, that you are, solely, though perhaps unjustly, insomuch as responsible for one of …

Prepare for Launch in 28…14…7…1…

You just got the email. A new, exciting software change is coming to your organization...SOON! The email probably touted benefits of the new software in a succinct bulleted list: Accelerates our digital transformation Enables anytime, anywhere collaboration Offers new features and enhanced security Yep, that's pretty standard language for what we in the biz call …

Email Writer Girl Saves the Day

Faster than office rumors, more powerful than good strategy, able to leap poor planning in a single bound. The child of Writeon is now the Woman of Miracles: Email Writer Girl! I'm here to fix all your problems with a single email. <swoosh> Ta-dah! No need to thank me; it's my job. <sigh> When I have the …

Why Are You So Mean To Me?

I had just given a 3-minute intro on myself and my field of work—no small feat. I mean, few actually know what human change & communication is, so to explain it in a couple of minutes was something to be proud of. Prior to my speech, I felt empowered. I was sitting at a table …

What’s SOP?

We all have a fantasy world. Mine has Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In fact, the words Policies, Procedures and Plans make my mind wander off to explore the infinite possibilities... Wait? Aren't standardization and infinite possibilities on opposite ends of the spectrum? Oh no, my friends. In fact, I'd argue they're dependent upon one another! …

Communicating Under Fire

How does an introvert develop a passion for effective communication? By disaster. I spent several years with the American Red Cross as both an employee and volunteer. And it was in the disaster planning arena where I gained my favorite story on communication gone wrong. In the disaster response world, agencies and organizations prepare by …

Should—The Most Dangerous Verb

Dangerous? A verb? Yes. Think about it. How often have you said... They should have thought of that. (Because you have the advantage of hindsight?) My husband/wife should XYZ. (Because your way is best?) They should know that. (Because you do?) Don't get me wrong—I'm guilty. Probably more often than I care to admit in …