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Thought Leader
One of my favorite insights in the last year came from a
book entitled Immunity to Change by Kegan and Lahey
(2009). The authors describe many of the barriers to change
that reside in both organizations and individuals. Given the
complex psychological challenges when taking on even the
most obvious changes, they recommend that individuals
focus on one area, and start by asking a few individuals the
following question: “What is one big thing I could do to
improve…?”
If you talk to a few people who aren’t afraid to tell you the
truth, you’ll probably start to hear a theme or two. Then
take on one change and one change only-and make it
concrete and specific. “Be a better listener” is way too
vague. Try something as specific as “asking two questions
before giving my opinion” or “looking around to see who
hasn’t had a chance to weigh in.”
As the Project Aristotle findings began making their way
into the popular press, the world around Google-up, down,
and around Silicon Valley-seemed to let out a collective
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“duh!” Or maybe it was a sigh of relief. So many of us have
known the agony of being on a team that not only felt
unsafe but couldn’t deliver on its promise. The hard part is
knowing what to do about it. Fortunately, even though
leaders can’t create psychological safety on their own, small
but intentional shifts in their mindset and actions can set the
tone for better things.
About
Patty McManus
Senior Consultant Patty McManus develops leaders who
are equipped to embrace both the responsibilities and the
potential of their roles. She works at the levels of values,
skill development, and motivation to support leaders’ and
organizations’ success. Patty is a frequent blogger and
podcaster on interactionassociates.com and author of the
popular ebook, “The Little Book of Big Change”. She is
also a sought-after presenter, speaking most recently at the
American Library Association's National Conference.
|November 2016