Making Change Fun

The other day I was explaining the results of a change readiness assessment to an executive and shared a piece of news he found disturbing.  He believed that everyone wanted the change that he was leading because when he spoke with others in the organization about it, they all told him it was a great … More Making Change Fun

You’re Not a Leader Until They Perform

“It’s all about talent,” declared the SVP of Human Resources as she announced the purchase of a new talent management technology that included selection, performance management and succession planning modules. “This integrated talent management solution ushers in a new era for our company that’s about improving how we think about and manage talent.  These new … More You’re Not a Leader Until They Perform

The Joy of Failure

“Thomas Alva Edison” by No machine readable author provided. Minivalley assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims).. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons After struggling to develop a viable electric light-bulb for months and months, Thomas Edison was interviewed by a young … More The Joy of Failure

This Too Shall Pass

  Happy Monday!  I thought I would start the week with something fun.  It’s an innovative video from OK Go, an alternative rock band with a reputation for making catchy, viral videos.  The band’s video for “Here It Goes Again” won a Grammy Award for “Best Short-Form Music Video” in 2007, and features the band members dancing around … More This Too Shall Pass

Undercover Boss: Listening to the Heart of Your Company

The new reality show Undercover Boss from CBS should be required viewing for every corporate executive and everyone who aspires to be one.  It follows CEO’s as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies.  While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems … More Undercover Boss: Listening to the Heart of Your Company

Sex, Potatoes and Smiley Faces: The Keys to Selling Change

  Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Group, tells us with his adman’s great hilarity, that we can be much more effective creating behavior change if we focus instead on changing perceptions.  And that’s about more than selling the benefits of something new.  It about tinkering with the way we define the symbolic, subjective and … More Sex, Potatoes and Smiley Faces: The Keys to Selling Change

Now What? Managing Well After Layoffs, Recessions and Other Corporate Stressors

You better start loving up your employees. As we begin to recover from the economic downturn, organizations will be relying on their workforces more than ever to help them return to stronger financial performance.  But with recent studies showing that fewer than 1 in 3 employees are engaged and as many as 55% are passive … More Now What? Managing Well After Layoffs, Recessions and Other Corporate Stressors