"You can not learn this on the job! Training is mandatory." And yet, we witnessed a disturbingly low enrollment rate. Without a critical mass of well-trained users, there was no way Enbridge would see a return on a multi-million dollar technology transformation investment. Why weren't they signing up? Here are the...
Why saying “Calm Down” is the worst thing you can do
Let's count. When faced with an angry or emotional individual, when has it helped to say, "Calm down."? Have you finished counting? I predict your answer is approximately ZERO. It's such a common response to anger, frustration, and sadness, yet has absolutely no benefit. Why? Emotional responses serve both a cathartic...
Cookies for change (or, Easy ways to help people move towards a goal)
Sometimes cookies are the solution. At a recent family get together Theresa was talking about her study habits as she prepared for medical exams. "It's hard to say focused. Sometimes I put a cookie in the textbook every 10 pages. No cookie until I finish studying each part!" Certain activities...
Want to win them over? Follow the Tony’s Chocolonely Method
Headed home after a conference, I found myself browsing my way through the LA airport. A dangerous past-time. LAX has lots of goodies to absorb your hard-earned cash and my eyes were drawn to the chocolate bars. Brightly packaged bars grabbed my attention. "What the heck is 'Chocolonely'? Baloney-flavoured chocolate...
How losing top people can enhance your team’s success
Nightmare scenario: You're 30 days away from implementation of a major strategy and your lead designer / architect / financial guru gives notice. Short notice. On the brink of panic, what do you do? Well, it's likely not nearly as bad as you think. Here's what I've learned from seeing this...
3 Ways to Reduce Stress by Making Change Predictable. Drop an anchor!
When the hurricane is coming people look for a place that will weather the storm; A strong structure that will not be moved. Without something stable to hold on to, fear takes center stage. Your brain is tuned to notice change (bouncing balls, flying squirrels, etc.) to determine whether a...
The Four Ways People Respond to Change
This post is one of Jeff's regular submissions in the "Supercharge Change" series. Subscribe for free insights, tools, and videos here. The lights went out and then the screaming began! I was at the American Museum of Natural History, enjoying the exhibit on how rock 'cathedrals' are formed on the ocean...
Change never sleeps. When can I take a break?
I just completed a couple significant client projects and was in need of a rest. You know the feeling: Finding yourself staring out the window. A little slower to get in gear in the morning. Easily distracted. Perhaps you begin conducting master classes in procrastination. The World Health Organization recently formalized...
Change can be as Volatile as the Stock Market. Here’s How to Ride the Waves
"Listen Jeff, investing is risky. There could be losses along the way. But what you need to know is that in the long run the market always goes up." I've never forgotten that nugget of wisdom from my first financial advisor, Gerry. He ensured I understood that the journey to retirement could...
How to Create a Network of Change Agents that Won’t Mutiny
When the tension is cranked up in movies, the favorite strategy of our heroes is to split up when entering a scary situation. Bad move! Organizational change can be a scary situation for leaders. Don't go in alone! Take the SWAT team approach and build a strong supporting team. You...
