Chicken or Egg, Tools or People, what is the best way

Lee talks through the critical role of questioning in successful change management. Drawing from his extensive experience since 2006, Lee emphasises that while tools and methodologies are essential, the true key to effective change lies in understanding and asking the right questions. He argues that change practitioners should prioritise developing their questioning skills and the principles behind those questions rather than solely focusing on tools. By engaging the minds, hearts, and hands of individuals, change practitioners can facilitate meaningful transitions and foster a culture of ownership and engagement. Tune in to explore how shifting the focus from tools to thinking can lead to more sustainable and successful change initiatives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Prioritise Questions Over Tools: Successful change management should focus on asking the right questions and understanding the principles behind those questions, rather than solely relying on tools and frameworks.

2. Engagement is Crucial: The ability to engage with people is critical for successful change. Change practitioners must work to understand and connect with individuals to facilitate a positive transition.

3. Understanding Change Dynamics: Change is fundamentally about transitioning people from one state to another. This requires a deep understanding of the thinking, habits, and behaviours of those involved in the change process.

4. Create a Safe Environment for Thinking: It’s essential to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions about change.

5. Focus on Meaningful Outcomes: Change practitioners should aim to create clarity around goals and desired outcomes, ensuring that these goals resonate with the people involved, making them feel real and meaningful.

BEST MOMENTS

"Our ability to work with people, our ability to engage with people is critical in the success of landing change." 

"It's not about tools, it's not about people, it's about thinking and our ability to ask the right question." 

"If you want to create new thinking, new habits, new behaviours, you need to create more thinking by asking better questions." 

"Don't ask what tools do we need to teach our change practitioners. Ask what questions need to be created in our change practitioners." 

"Success is changing the thinking of our people, engaging the heads, engaging the hearts, engaging the hands in a meaningful way."

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.