Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Change Briefings



I'm preparing some briefings on change management. As is my custom, I study the subject like a crazed monk, approaching it from all angles and exploring unconventional as well as the usual sources.

For example, part of today involved reviewing fighter pilot tactics and some Aristotle.

One of my goals is to be able to overcome the objections of the most cynical person in the room; you know, the big guy with his arms folded who sits in the back and exudes "I don't want to be here" and "I've heard it all."

Back to the fighter pilots.

5 comments:

Eclecticity said...

Send it over when complete, oh generous monk. I could use the help. No change needed where I am now. Ha!

Keep up the good work. Doing change eclectically may get those in the back to unfold their arms. Hope it goes great for you. E.

Unknown said...

Chip and Dan Heath (Made to Stick) have a new book out on making change (Switch). Much like switch, it all seems very obvious when you are reading it, but they bring it together in ways that I hadn't thought of it before. They provide a nice usable 3 part framework for change with built in ways to overcome the usual obstacles.

Michael Wade said...

Joe,

Thanks! I'll check it out.

E,

Will keep you posted.

Michael

Steve said...

I was taught as an Air Force pilot to look outside the cockpit for landmarks (e.g., rivers, roads, railroad tracks) and then look at the map to see if any of those landmarks were depicted. Looking at the map and then looking outside made you realize there was too much information inside (on the map) and outside the cockpit to process.

Many people attempting to lead change come up with a strategy (the map) and then try to see where that strategy should be applied. Perhaps they should look outside (at the organization) and then look at their strategy to see if it really makes sense.

Michael Wade said...

Steve,

Interesting observation. It ties right in with what I've read about the significance of the F-86 Sabre jet's cockpit bubble versus those of the MIGs in the Korean war.

Thanks!

Michael