Change Happens!!!

As 2009 opened I heard a commentator say that things will change for the better. Change always promises a better tomorrow. In any organization or institution, change is positioned as things will get better. That’s part of what change managers call “selling the change” or “building the business case”.

In fact, things MAY get worse before they get better. This happens for a few reasons. First our change often overcompensates for the existing conditions. Second, we don’t analyze the potential consequences or impacts of the change we’re planning to make. And third, we believe people are more likely to buy-in to the change if it carries the promise of a happy ending.

Next time you’re planning a change, ask yourself three questions…

· Specifically, what is the situation I am trying to change?
· What are the short and long term consequences of the change?
· What are the positive AND negative aspects of the change that I need to communicate?

If you get stuck or want to change your plans, drop me a note.

Opening the door on 2009

In a few hours we'll open the door on a new year - 2009. It's hard to believe. Where has the 2008 gone? Are the years getting shorter? Or is it the speed with which we live?

2009 is knocking. What lies beyond? What can we expect? Tonight we'll make resolutions. For me, I resolve to make next year slower. I don't want it to pass so fast. I plan to be deliberate in my slowness as a way to be renewed.

I plan to spend quiet time..I mean REAL quite time...in silence. I plan to practice the disciple of silence. No books, no music, no TV, no computer, no distractions. Just the natural sounds that surround me...the ones I usually miss.

I invite you to join me. Time to open the door...and "Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence." (Max Ehrmann, 1952)