Change Signal

Anne Gotte, SVP Global Talent & Organization Effectiveness at Mondelēz and seasoned change leader from Bumble, Ecolab, and General Mills, dives into the messy realities of organizational transformation. She discusses why traditional change management is outdated, advocating for a focus on building ongoing change capacity instead. Gotte emphasizes the importance of asking tough questions about current practices and accepting discomfort as part of the process. Her insights challenge leaders to navigate change with clarity while embracing uncertainty, ultimately redefining how organizations manage transformation.

Rodney Evans, a partner at TheReady, specializes in solving tough cross-functional problems within organizations. She emphasizes that change work should focus on continuous evolution rather than being a one-off project. Her depth-finding model reveals how hiring practices impact strategy and rewards. Rodney highlights the uncomfortable truth that broken patterns persist because they serve unspoken benefits. By addressing the 'gnarliest problem' and engaging in small, meaningful interventions, organizations can shift from dysfunction to effective change.

Charles Conn, a former McKinsey partner and current chair of Patagonia's board, challenges conventional wisdom on transformation. He argues that rigid strategic planning can hinder progress, advocating for small experiments that foster learning. Conn emphasizes the importance of listening to critics and diverse perspectives to spark innovation. He shares a practical matrix for prioritizing challenges and highlights how a consumer-centric approach transformed orthodontics. His insights bring battle-tested wisdom to navigating change in today's fast-paced world.

Molly Graham, a seasoned leader who has scaled teams at Google and Meta, now runs Glue Club for startup operators. She dives deep into the emotional challenges of change management, discussing why emotional "monsters" can derail projects. Molly introduces the "fight it three times" rule for navigating difficult bosses and emphasizes the often-ignored grief leaders must face during transitions. Also, meet Bob, her playful take on personal emotional chaos, a reminder that addressing feelings is crucial in the journey of transformation.

Explore why billion-dollar visions often fall flat and how focusing on real people can spark genuine change. Dan Heath shares how identifying and addressing bottlenecks, inspired by a Chick-fil-A story, can streamline your transformation efforts. However, solving one constraint might just create another, akin to whack-a-mole. This insightful discussion challenges conventional wisdom in change leadership, urging leaders to connect objectives with deeper motivations to truly engage their teams.

Discover how reversing conventional change strategies can lead to better outcomes. Experts reveal that willpower isn't depleting; it's being conserved during uncertainty. The key? Start with ridiculously small actions, like using your non-dominant hand, to significantly boost success rates. Unpacking the psychological effects of uncertainty sheds light on why many resist change. Plus, explore how shared beliefs can enhance willpower and foster community accountability within organizations. Small shifts can yield substantial results!

Dr. Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist and author of 'Shatterproof,' dives into the necessity of moving beyond the traditional concept of resilience. She discusses how many resilience programs are failing as they overlook fundamental human needs like confidence, choice, and connection. Eurich introduces a four-step process to help individuals grow through challenges rather than merely survive them. She highlights the importance of recognizing pain as a catalyst for transformation and the value of relational curiosity in overcoming workplace challenges.

Otto Scharmer, an MIT lecturer and creator of Theory U, dives into the internal battles that hinder change leaders. He identifies three inner voices—judgment, cynicism, and fear—that sabotage transformation. Interestingly, he argues that rushing into action often exacerbates issues. Instead, he advocates for the practice of 'let go and let come,' allowing new solutions to emerge. With practical exercises and insights, Scharmer redefines how we approach change and highlights the significance of internal readiness in successful transformation.

Rachel Botsman, a leading expert on trust and an Oxford University fellow, dives into the critical intertwining of trust and change. She reveals that resistance isn't a problem but a sign of engagement and debunks the myth that trust influencers only come from expected sources. Botsman emphasizes the necessity of patience in change leadership, advocating for a culture that values fragility and care over quick fixes. With her intriguing notion of trust as a 'confident relationship with the unknown,' she challenges leaders to embrace ambiguity and prioritize humanity in their strategies.

Discover how a simple three-role model can reveal dysfunctional patterns, what your least-played role says about your biggest triggers, and which powerful questions can transform strained relationships during change. In this LinkedIn Live, I dive into the Karpman Drama Triangle—a model I've used for 30+ years as both a self-management and change management tool. We all play Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer roles, especially when stress levels rise during transformation initiatives. The question isn't if you'll fall into these patterns, but how quickly you can notice and exit them. Here’s a killer insight: The Rescuer might seem heroic, but this role creates victims and disempowers those around you. (Sound familiar?) Listen to the full interview to find the three questions that can pull you out of the Drama Triangle. Change Signal. Cut through the blather, the BS, and the noise to find the good stuff that works in change, transformation, and growth. *** WHEN YOU’RE READY 🎧 A new episode every week (and sometimes two!) 📰The Change Signal newsletter. Short, practical, weekly *** CONNECT 💼Connect on LinkedIn *** SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 💚Leave a review on Spotify