PMxV – What You Missed In April
In April we explored the human dynamics behind transformation. Change doesn’t succeed through plans and roadmaps alone. When people are overwhelmed, unsure how others will respond or feel they lack control; participation in change will stall. Leaders can build momentum by creating visible social signals, and giving people meaningful ways to contribute. Here’s what you […]
The Myth Of The Lone Genius
In innovation circles, we love the story of the lone genius. The visionary who sees what others can’t see and pushes on until their ideas succeed. Our favorite icon is Steve Jobs in his black turtleneck, pacing a stage and reshaping the future through his sheer brilliance. We also romanticize the image of the lone […]
Why Breakthrough Ideas Die Inside Organizations
A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a leader who had just left a role he was hired into to drive transformation. When he joined, the CEO had been very clear. He was unhappy with the existing leadership team. In his view, they were underperforming and needed to be challenged. So the new leader […]
How Your Organization’s Culture Enables Transformation
After a decade working inside large companies, I’ve learned that culture is important for making transformation possible. You can’t force people to change. But you can create the conditions that make them willing to join your initiative. In the early stages of transformation you need specific cultural conditions to succeed: Finding Early AdoptersTo create an […]
The Four Personas Of Change Leadership
There has been a lot of debate about which leadership style is better for driving change – the charismatic outsider or the humble insider? Organizational psychology suggests the answer is neither. Or more accurately, both styles can work, but for very different reasons. This debate sits at the heart of the contingency approach to leadership. […]
PMxV – What You Missed In May
In May we explored a simple but important idea; transformation is not an individual act of brilliance. It is a social process. Too many change efforts fail because leaders focus only on strategy, urgency and ideas, while underestimating the role of relationships, trust and collective participation. Sustainable momentum emerges when people move together. Here’s what […]