Change Management

Innovation and Change: It's all about leadership!

"Sam Palmisano, Chairman of IBM, says that 'events, threats and opportunities aren't just coming at us faster or with less predictability; they are converging and influencing each other to create entirely unique situations'. I couldn't agree more."

To navigate in this environment, we require new skills, multiple perspectives and an openness to entirely new ways of thinking. Leaders must own the change process and model the qualities that they expect from others. Take this quiz to see how you'll do:

1. What’s ½ of 8? (Find at least eight correct answers.)
2. Whose perspectives need to be considered before you make a change (hint: see cartoon)?
3. What happens in your brain when you try something new?
4. Which group will be the most change adaptive: CEOs, managers, doctors, electricians or web designers? Why?
5. What percentage of change initiatives succeed?
6. Identify four ways to test for change readiness in your organization?
7. How many things can you do at once? What happens to your accuracy and speed when you multi-task?
8. How does "problem-based" thinking hinder our ability to find solutions?
9. If trying new things enhances leaning and energy, what happens when we get complacent or change resistant?
10. What questions do you want to ask/answer? (Hint: For a sample of some great strategy questions, check out the Toolkit under Resources.)

Linda has some great answers to these questions, and she's got even more great questions to help you navigate in this complex and unpredictable world. But she wants your answers, too. Send them in and get a FREE copy of Linda's DVD, Survival is a Lousy Goal.

Studies show that about 50% of us resist change — we're not wrong or difficult, just slow to adapt or maybe just exhausted. Only 12% of us are innovative or are early adopters. No wonder we want to throw our hands up and scream when someone comes up with yet another idea. Even if it's a good one. That's why we need great leadership in times of transformational change.

So what are the new leadership challenges? IBM's Global CEO 2010 Study reveals:

* 79% of CEOs anticipate even greater complexity ahead
* Creativity is the most important leadership quality for the future
* Successful leaders must take more calculated risks, find new ideas and keep innovating
* Organizations must create solutions with their customers and integrate them into their core processes

Change leadership is about helping people through the process of adapting to new ways of doing things. We start by giving them the tools, skills and resources that are essential for success in a transforming world. One concept that is revolutionizing the way we manage change comes from brain science research. This body of research reveals the remarkable neuroplasticity of the brain and helps us better understand the relationship between the physiology, psychology and sociology of change. Our brains thrive when we keep them active and challenged, but they are wired to support the tried and true. That's why the carrot-and-stick model just doesn't work.

Feel courageous. (Leadership's not for the faint of heart.) Implement change initiatives that will stick. Linda has the tools, energy and experience to guide you through the journey to your desired future.

* Discover the four stages of P²E²: Preparation, Planning, Execution and Evolution
* Get focused and decide what to say "no" to
* Challenge commonly held delusions
* Explore possible futures that excite and motivate
* Turn Tunnel Vision (looking in and down) into Funnel Vision (looking up and out)
* Ask different questions when you apply Linda's time-tested Change Template
* Engage the right people, encourage multiple perspectives and create powerful new solutions
* Develop skills and tools that help you adapt to whatever comes your way