Tag Archive: Managing Change

Social media – Is it a business tool or a kid’s toy?

It’s hard to go anywhere these days without bumping into social media in one form or the other. Many business leaders feel the urgency to understand the concept, but they are also trying to understand the real business value.  As a leader, it’s up to you to spot the trends that give your business a…

New technology and its impact on productivity in the workplace

Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change these days?  Not surprising.  We’re surrounded by technology that drives our global economy and it is pretty overwhelming as the pace of innovation accelerates.  Add smart phones, netbooks, and iPads which detach us from our desks and keep us permanently connected 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.  Layer…

Social media, virtual networking and the gender advantages

I spoke with many interesting, smart people last week who are struggling with the whole social media, virtual networking thing. These people are small business owners, consultants, corporate citizens and people in “transition” (the new PC term for professionals currently between jobs). They are men and women, mostly over 40 who are trying to understand…

Listen Up – Change is a Smart Business Strategy

I spend a lot of time speaking with business folks about change. Not surprising really given it’s my business and the general state of the world today is forcing everyone to contend with it. But under any circumstances, whether we like to acknowledge it or not, change is a constant. Convincing people to change (and…

Totally plugged in

Maintaining a social media presence or collaborating online takes a lot of work.  It is also very seductive.  If you hate being alone, this is the place for you – with a global user base of millions you are sure to find someone to talk to (or listen to) at any moment in time so…

Maintaining momentum during tough times

It’s really hard to listen to the news these days and maintain an optimistic outlook.  Times are really tough.  Fear is so de-motivating.  It sucks up your positive energy and can leave you feeling so helpless.  But I sustain myself by understanding that life’s trials can lead to triumphs.   If I maintain a view that…

Thinking through the implications of change

I have a pretty high risk tolerance. For me, change is interesting and (dare I say it) fun. But in my years as a change agent and a skilled change management practitioner, I have come to appreciate each organization has a unique tolerance level that’s tied to its culture, its leadership and its history. Any…

The Business Impacts of “At Least I Have a Job” Syndrome

There are some days when I am not sure who has it worse….my friends who lost their jobs or my friends who have them. Don’t misunderstand me; losing your job is never any fun. But in this economy, survivor guilt and fear of job loss is such an overwhelming presence in the workplace that it…

Are you re-evaluating for the future or trying to return to the status quo?

What is it about routines that give us such comfort?  We eat the same foods, hang with the same people, wear the same clothes, and keep the same hair style.  We take comfort in the familiar, we use old habits to anchor ourselves and we delude ourselves into thinking this provides us with control.  Jokes…