Q: Hey Jeff, should we announce a change when we are still working out the details?A: As a consultant, I am bound by the principles of my profession to respond with, “It depends.” Let me share what it depends on.The ArtIf you announce change too far in advance, people will...
Millennials are Entitled…To Better Leadership
I confess I am not a fan of articles about generational differences, but whereas I generally scoff at the idea of spoiled kids who think the world owes them something, millennials are now adults who have proven that standing up for worker rights and job-hopping clearly aren't impediments to career...
Got Resistance? Lack Speed? Focus on the Outsider
"Frequently, people are not officially employed by the company where they work, which robs them of the pride that comes from being part of a shared enterprise." ~NYT report on 'gig work' This quote really struck me. When I left IBM I really missed the camaraderie of a global consulting...
How Early Should You Communicate Change?
Clients commonly want to know when to get a change pro involved. “Is it too soon?” The answer is always the same: “Sooner is better.” No one likes an unwelcome surprise. It doesn’t matter how positive your change is; while some embrace it and flourish, others will see it as...
How to Move People with a Single Expression
I was looking at the above picture and a word came to mind immediately: Transformation. I insist that you look at the entire photo series of people when they smile (#3 is my favorite). Go now! (And then come back!) Have you ever listened to a dull speech? No you haven't, because you...
Every Process Needs a Champion
Early in my career the phrase "throwing it over the fence" caught my attention and I got it right away. Processes often fail at the connection points between departments. "It's their problem now." It's easy to stop caring when we can't see who is on the other side of the...
Miscues, Misrepresentation, Mistakes, and Adoption
“You know what? I’d be very happy to resign, because this is not fun. Yesterday I said I must have a blood pressure of 220 over 140 and I think I’m going to die of a heart attack. That’s how bad it is. Because seriously, you try to take the...
Testers are Change Agents, Too!
Every project I'm engaged with eventually asks, "Who should we ask to help test the change?" Leaders want to use their best people - preferably those who have already have some background with the change. People who typically follow the rules. We need a few angry testers - folks who...
How to Get Your Team Back to the Office
You know what's even better than a good party? The after-party! Those exclusive get-togethers where the real action happens; news is sparked and deals are made. Zoom meetings have extinguished the after-party.Remember when we used to get together in meeting rooms at the office? The little huddles that occurred afterwards, inside...
The Single Biggest Motivator for Change
You know that feeling when you're tired and upon arrival at the hotel the clerk says, "I'm sorry Mr. Skipper..."? Your heart drops. On a trip to Toronto I was checking in at The Grand only to hear this fateful phrase. My room was not available, but because of my...
