You Want An Organizational Change? Then...

What else has to change in order to make it happen?

This is an uncomfortable but meaningful question.

You and I say we want change. But let's be honest. What we really want is for other people to change so we can get what we want.

It's the human condition.

Which is why Mike Wagner's post at Own Your Brand  grabbed my attention.

Mike was working with a company on it's branding strategy and this is what Mike experienced:

"He (a leadership participant) was seated at the conference room table while I was leading the debrief on his company’s brand ownership audit. That’s when it happened. It always does, I just never know exactly when.

(Participant)
'So that's why we're stuck. This is going to be tougher than I thought.'"

Every meaningful intervention in the life of a company prompts the realization that other changes have to happen. Organizations are living systems just like the human body. When you stub your toe, it hurts--but you also may see stars and get a headache. Mike's client thought they were going to discuss branding. No doubt it led to:

"How are we going to integrate this brand company wide?"

"What's getting in the way now?"

"How are going to 'live' the brand rather than 'talk about' the brand?"

"What are all the things that have to change to make that happen?"

And finally:

"Oh, wow, it's going to be a leadership thing and we're the leaders."

What Do I Have To Change In Order to Make This Happen?

I got some feedback recently about something that I need to change. It was this: "Steve, you are not self-promoting and even your long-time clients don't know all the things that you do. You've got to put it out there  so that people know what you do and understand the breadth and depth of your experience."

OK, here's an opportunity to discuss one of those things.

I've designed and led large-scale change projects, some of which are unparalleled in their scope. (Stay with me for the punch line). Got the call to do an AT&T division beginning on the day of divestiture in 1984. Led large system changes at Utilities involved in shut-downs by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. And I continue to work on a global improvement project with a company that has numerous businesses in different industries, yet continually needs to share services and find common customers.

I know how to implement change purposefully, intelligently, and humanely.

But here's the single thing that I've learned must take place at the outset:

After discussing the leader's ideas about what needs to be different and why, I now ask,

"How much are you personally willing to change how you see and do things?"

The answer to that question will determine the wisdom in proceeding and the chances for success.

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Comments

[Mark Howell]

That is the point, isn't it? Great question you've added! "How much are you personally willing to change...?" Love it!

I ask a similar question in my pre-visit survey...but I ask the mid-level people about the commitment of the exec level. I think if I add this question once I'm there, it'll make for an interesting comparison.

Thanks.

mark

[holly]

I agree, more than realizing changes that need to be done, it's the realization and belief that you as an individual can start making those changes ... changes that can infect and affect an entire organziation. I like to think of it as "individual efficacy" or more juicier, "the influence of one". Once people realize that they can influence, then change can happen. The one thing I still don't know how to change is apathy. ... once I figure that out, I'll get back to you =)

[steveroesler]

Hmm, Mark, kind of a two-question gap diagnostic. I like your thinking!

[steveroesler]

Holly, something tells me that one who uses "infect the organization" and "juicier" when talking about affecting change doesn't have a personal apathy problem!

Thanks for taking the time to join the conversation...and I'll be looking for your solution to the apathy issue.

Stay energized!

[Viji]

Well said Steve. We always want the other side to change, and not us. Your last sentence make everyone to think for a while. So powerful. Tks. Viji

[peter vajda]

Great post Steve.

You ask, "How much are you personally willing to change how you see and do things?"

I might add, "On a scale of 1-10, how willing are you to commmit to effecting these changes?" Then, "If someone on the outside were told of your commitment to change, and visited your operation 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, etc. down the road, and observed your involvement in the change process, what would that person (1) see you doing, (2) hear you saying, (3) experience you feeling and (4)hear your thinking vis-a-vis measurable, observable behaviors effecting the change? (read: commitment anbd ownership)

All too often change is hard to come by when folks are not in harmony, that is, where there is a misalignment among what one says, feels, thinks and does...and when such misalignment occurs, one often makes unwise and incongruent choices and bad decisions and becomes less passionate, less heart-felt and less committed because they are internally.

[peter vajda]

oops...last line should end, "...internally conflicted".

[steveroesler]

Viji,it always comes down to "who is willing to go first?"

The only person we can make that decision for is ourselves, don't you think?

[steveroesler]

Peter,

Those questions are right on the money. It is difficult for many people--not just organizational leaders--to be able to respond to those when asked. Don't know what your experience has been but for me, those questions often work well when given as an "assignment" at the end of a coaching or consulting meeting. Until they are answered, it's pretty tough for all involved to know where to head next!

You sparked my thinking with the misalignment paragraph. Much is written and espoused regarding organizational alignment but little has surface at the starting point: self alignment.

With thanks,

Steve

[Sd card]

Hi, I am developing my site right now and I would like to translate and publish and a few more of your articles on my site, I hope you don’t mind. If you do - then I’ll just place links to them but I really needed them in Polish. Thanks!