Change Signal

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

In this discussion, Adam Kahane, Director of Reos Partners and author of Collaborating with the Enemy, shares his insights on navigating change through what he calls "radical collaboration." He emphasizes the importance of embracing unpredictability and working with those we may not agree with. Kahane challenges the notion of needing alignment before taking action, advocating instead for human connection as a foundation for collaboration. He introduces a framework balancing power, love, and justice, essential for meaningful transformation in organizations and society.

Exploring the vital role of emotions in business, Cassandra Worthy argues that embracing feelings can revolutionize organizational change. By allowing team members to express their true emotions, engagement and productivity soar. She advocates for slowing down to process feelings, enabling teams to contribute meaningfully before moving forward. Regular emotional check-ins emerge as strategic tools, challenging traditional notions that dismiss the importance of emotions at work.

Join David Lancefield, a seasoned consultant who has transformed strategies for organizations in over 30 countries. He reframes 'change' as 'creation' to inspire forward momentum and clarity in decision-making. David emphasizes the importance of linking projects to organizational success while empowering leaders to identify their top three decisions. He advocates for a proactive approach to strategy, encouraging leaders to engage earlier and drive meaningful impacts. With practical insights, he tackles the emotional barriers that often hinder transformation.