I had the good fortune to join an extraordinary panel of organizational development experts at the Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network’s annual gathering last Saturday. Photo by Ruchi Kahan, who came to listen, learn about organizational development, and spend some professional time with me. One insight from the event that has stayed with me: Our
Find Your Sweet Spot to Change the World Read More »
Last week, I was working with a group of leaders when someone suggested an approach that was completely different from what they’d been doing for years. At first, there was resistance. But, people got curious and the conversation became animated. New possibilities started popping. Next thing you know we had planned a 90-day pilot to
Oh, the Possibilities! Read More »
I’ve had the good fortune to work with more than 100 organizations on large-scale change, from global corporations like Royal Dutch Shell to organizations with annual budgets of $10 million. One lesson has become increasingly clear: The success of large-scale change depends heavily on the senior leadership team. The CEO or executive sponsor may own
6 Leadership Responsibilities That Make Large-Scale Change Succeed Read More »
Our puppy, Devi, has discovered an unusual place to hang out: perched on top of the back of our couch. Here she is, surveying the world from above while my daughter Ruchi and I occupy the more conventional seating below. At first, I thought it was just another one of her quirky habits. But I’ve
In early October 2011 Laura and I traveled to New Delhi to bring Ruchi home. One of the best decisions of my life. So grateful to have her in our family! When the orphanage gave Ruchi to us they asked for all the clothes she was wearing to be returned. The picture on the left
15-year Anniversary Read More »
When you’re leading, you’re a tuning fork. When a tuning fork vibrates, everything around it begins responding. During transformation, employees become extraordinarily sensitive to what their leaders are experiencing and they tune right in. They notice what makes you tense. They notice what questions you avoid. They notice whether you sound convinced or whether you’re
I have been pondering this seeming paradox, having a dog with me actually makes me more independent. I’m willing to go farther, explore places I might otherwise skip, take the trail that disappears into the woods, and spend hours somewhere without another person around. My dog doesn’t restrict my solitude, she makes solitude possible. Devi,
The Independence of Companionship Read More »
Years ago, I was invited by a federal agency, which will go nameless here, to contribute to a presentation being made to the senior team at the Peace Corps. I spoke for about an hour. When I finished, then Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez said he wanted to work with me. That was a big
Sometimes You Have to Be Willing to Lose the Work Read More »
Divya has gone off to college. She lives in an apartment with Ruchi, is adapting to a roommate, and accompanies Ruchi everywhere. Unlike most college students, she arrived already knowing how to sit, stay, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. She attends classes and goes to clubs where the music is loud while
Divya Goes to College Read More »
Years ago, I was working with the Promotional Products Association International. It was one of my alltime favorite engagements becaus of the CEO and his senior leadership team – excellent professionals fully engaged. It was a highly fragmented industry (it may still be). There were 10,000 + members selling everything from branded T-shirts to notebooks
What are You Waiting For? Read More »
