In Consulting Masterclass, we use real-life scenarios to explore how to engage clients in enlightening discussions. It applies to internal discussions as well as to external consultants. Here’s an example of a typical executive conversation for me:VP: We’re implementing a major change. We’ve been through these before, but not at this...
Chimpanzees for Change
What an inspirational night! I was privileged to be front row with an audience of nearly 3,000 people in Vancouver as Dr. Jane Goodall spoke about her journey to observe and conserve primates and their habitat. She faced so many barriers. A lone female living in the jungle? Impossible. The host...
I made someone cry, and I’m proud!
She was so nervous. We knew she was prepared. She knew the stakes here high. As she launched into her pitch, stress caused her to stumble over her words. She backtracked. She repeated. And then she finished. Last week I had the pleasure of participating in a variation of Dragon’s Den....
Abort mission! Your change is a crash site
The moon is a pretty sight from Earth. However, when you see close-ups of its surface, you realize that what looked smooth is very rugged terrain. A 2020 study estimated close to 140,000 craters. The recent Odysseus mission ended early when it landed sideways, likely because it “tripped” over a...
A Zombie Fire is Obstructing Your Change
When your snow is on fire, you know you have a problem.Even when flames are extinguished, burning embers lie in wait right through the winter, waiting to reignite under dry conditions in the spring. Zombie Fires are a real threat in Canada where we have had several summers of massive forest fires.You...
Capacity for Change: Can I have more please?
After last week’s article on failed change I was thinking about the concept of capacity. Even with a change that is necessary and positive for the organization, employees, volunteers, and partners must have the capacity to embrace it, or its value will be zilch. Capacity comes in two flavours: Practical, and Mental. Practical CapacityPeople...
Call it off! Ending a Change
At University I came across a phrase that’s stuck with me: “Don't throw good money after bad.” It's when leaders are so invested in a project or strategy that they keep throwing more (good) money at it even though it’s clearly a waste. Challenges and failures pile up with little progress. Apple pulled the...
Helping Makes People Helpless(and other insights from Disney)
“Hi! This is my first time using the app and I have no idea what I’m doing. Can you please help me?” That was my opening line to the first cast member I met at Disneyland yesterday. And, as expected, the response was immediate and SUPER positive: “Sure! Let me show...
Are Humane Layoffs Possible?
“I was laid off just before Christmas,” a colleague shared recently. Ouch. The headlines seem to be awash in workforce reductions lately, always accompanied by awful stories of the way in which people were notified and walked out. Not only is it heartbreaking, but it’s damaging to the reputation of the...
What if no one liked change?
If we didn’t like change… We wouldn’t look forward to summer. There would be no dating apps. People would not look for better jobs. No one would immigrate. There would be no protests. We would all be using landlines and phone booths. I could not purchase a lavender chai with...
