

740: How to Lead Organizational Change, with Michael Bungay Stanier
160 snips Jun 30, 2025
Michael Bungay Stanier, best-selling author and host of Change Signal, shares vital insights on leading organizational change. He emphasizes that change can be messy and advocates for understanding the emotional realities involved. Michael discusses the importance of engaging team members rather than imposing compliance, suggesting that strategy should be a living conversation filled with experimentation. Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson, he highlights the importance of gradual truth-telling in the process of transformation.
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Leadership Answers Change's Messiness
- Change is fundamentally complex and inherently messy to manage and lead effectively.
- Leadership, not management, is essential for successfully navigating change.
Audit Before Removing Fences
- Before initiating change, thoroughly audit the current reality and understand existing initiatives.
- Don't leap into action without understanding why systems or rules exist where they do.
Policy Change Hurt Relationships
- Dave shared a story of quickly fixing a policy violation without understanding why exceptions existed.
- This approach harmed relationships and required time to repair, illustrating rushed change pitfalls.