Change Management

This term has so many shades of meaning and interpretations. Occasionally, I stumble when trying to explain what it means. I find that many business expressions that generalize experiences result in varied understanding. Therefore, I will attempt to write a rambling post to get some clarity.

Sources of data:

As I cull over job listings for change management positions, it seems the job market is similarly confused. At times it looks like project manager, a person implementing technology, one who helps others use a new technology, etc.

Here is a friendly Wikipedia definition:

Change management is the process during which the changes of a system are implemented in a controlled manner by following a pre-defined framework/model with, to some extent, reasonable modifications ^[1].

This definition helped add the concept of using a model or process. Unfortunately that too is pretty generic. This definition does not mention two primary components I find on the job boards - people and technology.

My personal understanding is that change management is the experience of working with the people in an organization through a transition or change process. This implies that there is a structure or framework to change. Since we live in a technology age, often I would assume that a change would impact existing or require a new tech system.

Here is what I found after looking at some colleagues' blogs (from Garrett Gitchell's blog on Vision Work).

He suggest that when doing Change Management - begin with the end in mind. This is similar to any team process, one needs to be clear on their purpose or goal. In doing so, keep in mind the final state any project or piece of work has in mind. Then similar to project management map back the process. Garrett emphasizes the difference between Change Management and Project Management (PM). PM is a necessary component of Change Management, but Change Management is more strategic in nature.

Therefore, change managers need to be involved in the formulation of a widespread process and its change implications on a larger system. For example a new technology often has change impacts on more than just the people who use the platform. Organizations are systems and therefore, should one implement a new technology in one department or office its impact goes beyond that entity. A change manager would be aware of this and ideally raise it as a consideration to clients, versus a PM would may be more tactical for that office/department.

In the end we are talking about a change agent that is a partner and support function to the existing system. This person's role is to help facilitate the change and improve the system towards healthier and more efficient states. The bottom line is fundamental component driving decisions. Why go through change? What is the purpose of it? Who can help you devise a system and process? Is it worth slowing down to stratagize and consider the various impacts of a change? I say yes - this can make all the difference to future change efforts.

And still in the end organizations are dynamic and ever changing. Therefore, a long term consideration would be for organizations to invest in build change capabilities. That is what ultimately will make the organization last and adapt to the ever changing environment and unforeseen variables. So how does one do such a thing? One starting point that has been a nice guide for me is to reference Chris Worley's book, "Built to Change.

In the end there are various understandings and interpretations of the concept of change management. One thing seems certain this term is about change from one state to another - and organizations are constantly involved in this process.

Reflections from M. Scott Peck's "The Road Less Traveled"

Here are some of the salient points that surfaced for me in the reading of this classic psychology book.

Responsibility

• Discipline = delayed gratification
• Confronting problems
• Dedication to Truth - white lie (tell someone something small that is not true), Black lie (neglect to share something that is important or relevant to the truth)

"This is my problem and it is up to me to resolve" - owning responsibility for self

Three types of psychological disorders:

1. Neurotic - it is all my fault. In speech these people tend to say "I should", "I ought to"
2. Character Disorder - Everyone else is at fault. These people are tougher to work with psycho-dynamically speaking. They tend to say - "I can't", "I couldn't", " I have to", "I had to". They have no power of choice. From their view everything is out of their control. They often do not trust others and see the world as a dangerous place.
3. Blend of the two Neurotic and Character disorder

Worldview

Our view of the world is like a map (aka worldview).

We create this worldview and are constantly getting new information. Many can't handle this new information and ignore it. This results in out dated maps and or views. It is important to constantly revise your maps as new information arrives.

Transference is the active clinging to outdated views. It occurs when a set of ways of perceiving the world from a child reference creeps into views of adult life.

On Love

"Love is as love does:

Love takes attention - through the work of listening.

Falling in love is not real love. Love is a commitment beyond the object, beyond ourselves.

"Love is the will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another spiritual growth... Love is as love does. Love is an act of will -- namely, both an intention and an action. Will also implies choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love."

"The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another' spiritual growth" p. 85

When we fully love beyond ourselves and extend our ego boundaries there is a connection to the rest of the world. One merges beyond self with others. This is a mystical experience. Kind of like the Buddhist concept of oneness.

Laziness is loves opposite enemy. Laziness is fear.

Happiness

Simply seek happiness, and you are not likely to find it. Seek to create and love without regard to your happiness, and you will likely be happy much of the time.

Grace

The definition of grace - the g-d within us. Listening is taking the more difficult path.

Here is a wordle representing some Identity work

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/982171/My_footprint

What is healthy?

Recently I posed a question to some fellow organization development colleagues about what Healthy means in the context of organizations - since that is a goal of the work I and others in the field help promote, I thought having clarity around the goal would be helpful. Here is the question I posed:

My Email:
I have had a bunch of thoughts lately about the meaning of a healthy organization/team. With this topic on mind here are some general questions. I am curious about your thoughts.

1. Have you worked or been a member in a healthy organization?

2. What makes that (or a place) a healthy organization?

As an OD practitioner my goal is to help, individuals, teams, and organizations improve their health. In fact one of the many definitions of OD states:

Organization Development is concerned with the deliberate, reasoned, introduction, establishment, reinforcement, and spread of change for the purpose of improving an organization's effectiveness and health.
- From Huse, E.F. (1980) Organization Development and Change (not APA format)

He goes on to define both effectiveness and health - but I will stop here in order to hear your ideas...

Here are the responses shared:
A healthy organization...
-Is realistic – sees its market position, resources and strategic options realistically
-Has a management team that is suited to the job, functions well together and models honesty and accountability at the top
-Is progressive in its people practices (values employees and shows it, invests in ongoing development of its people)
-Allows diversity of opinion, encourages debate ideas and individual contribution while keeping focused on day-to-day delivery
-Values performance and accountability and demonstrates this through its policies and practices
-Resources both short and long term bets appropriately
-Is able to make changes as its environment changes

Another response:
Description developed by Jack Fordyce and Ray Weil.
Characteristics of Healthy and Unhealthy Organizations

1. Objectives are widely shared and there is a strong flow of energy toward them. Versus There is little personal investment in organizational objectives except at the top.
2. People feel free to signal their awareness of difficulties because they expect problems to be dealt with and are optimistic they can be solved. Versus People see things going wrong and do nothing. Problems are avoided. People talk about office trouble at home, in the hall, but not with those involved.
3. Problem solving is highly pragmatic. In attacking problems, people work informally and are not preoccupied with status, territory, or second-guessing. Versus Status and boxes on the organization chart are more important than solving problems. There is excessive concern with management as the customer, instead of the real customer.
4. The boss is frequently challenged. A great deal of nonconforming behavior is tolerated. Versus People treat each other in a formal, polite manner that masks issues and controls behavior.
5. There is noticeable sense of team play in planning performance and discipline; a shared responsibility. Versus Managers feel alone in trying to get things done. Somehow orders don’t get carried out as intended.
6. Decision making is determined by such factors as ability, sense of responsibility, availability of information, work load, timing and individual development. Versus People at the top try to control as many decisions as possible. They become bottlenecks, and make decisions with inadequate information and advice.
7. The judgment of people lower down people throughout the organization is listened to and valued. Versus The judgment of is not respected outside the narrow limits of their jobs.
8. The range of problems tackled includes personal needs and human relationships. Versus Personal needs and feelings are side issues.
9. Collaboration is freely entered into. Ways of helping are highly developed. Versus People compete when they need to collaborate. They protect their turf.
10. When there is a crisis, people band together. Versus When there is a crisis, people withdraw or start blaming.
11. Conflicts are considered important to decision making and growth. They are dealt with in the open. People are candid. Versus Conflict is mostly covert and managed by office politics and other games. There are interminable and irreconcilable arguments.
12. Risk is accepted as a condition of growth. Versus Minimizing risk has a very high value.
13. Relationships are honest. People do care about one another and do not feel alone. Versus Relationships are contaminated by “maskmanship.” People feel alone. There is an undercurrent of fear.
14. Learning is easy. There is a willingness to give, seek and use feedback and advice. People see themselves and others as capable of development and growth. Versus Learning is difficult. People don’t approach their peers to learn from them, but learn from their own mistakes. What feedback they get is not helpful.
15. Joint critique is routine. Versus Feedback is avoided.
16. People are stimulated and highly involved by choice. They are optimistic. The work place is important and fun. (Why not?) Versus People feel locked into jobs, stale and bored, constrained by the need for security. They find excitement elsewhere.
17. Leadership is flexible, shifting in style and person to suit the need. Versus Managers are prescribing parents to the to the organization.
18. There is a high degree of trust, sense of freedom and mutual responsibility. People generally know what is important and not. Versus Managers tightly control small expenditures and demand excessive justification. They allow little freedom for making mistakes.
19. "What can we learn from that?" Versus "One mistake and you're out."
20. Poor performance is confronted and a joint resolution sought. Versus Poor performance is glossed over or handled arbitrarily.
21. Organization structure, policies, and procedures help people get the job done and protect long-term organization health. Versus Organizational structure, policies and procedures encumber the organization. People take refuge procedures and play games.
22. Old methods are questioned often and give way to new ideas. Versus Tradition!
23. The organization adapts swiftly to changes and opportunities because all eyes are watching and anticipating the future. Versus Innovation is in the hands of a few.
24. Frustrations are a call to action: “It’s my/our responsibility to save the ship.” Versus People swallow their frustrations: “I can do nothing. It's their responsibility.”
25. Managers look at their organization in terms of how they think it should run, and when it doesn’t’ run as desired, they consider it a "work problem,” not "find the culprit." Versus Managers look at their organization in terms of how it does run and when it doesn’t run as desired they look for someone to blame.

Adapted from Managing with People, Jack K. Fordyce and Ray Weil, Addison-Wesley, 2^nd edition, by McCarthy & Company, Organization Consultants, Inc. www.mccarthyconsultants.com

Reflections on life's transitions...

I am reading an excellent book called "Transitions" by William Bridges. Here is an expert and some of my thoughts...

How to deal with the neutral state in between the phases of transitions:

"Chaos is not a mess, but rather it is the primal state of pure energy to which the person returns for every true new beginning." (p.119)

Wisdom is the accrual of time spent in this neutral space. Being in the unknown.

Now that we are no longer tribal communities here is what we can focus on doing when lost in transition...

How to surrender to the Neutral Zone:

1. Find a regular time to be alone. This is not reading a book, but rather going for a walk, going to nature, sitting, meditating.

2. Log your experiences of being in the neutral zone. Where you ask:
What is really going on?,
What was your mood?,
What were you thinking about?,
What puzzling or unusual things happened?
What decisions do you wish you had made?
What dreams do you wish you could have made?

3. Write an autobiography. From your current vantage point the stories of the past change. We make new sense of the past as we have more experiences in life. It is the wisdom of now that gives us a new lens of the past. In doing so, it is easy to realize that we are simply bound by our reality. Therefore, our present and future view are similarly bounded. Letting go is truly freeing and can allow for possibilities.

4. Discover what you really want now. When circumstances box us in, we know how we would live if we only had the time. As soon as we have the time, we are lost to figure out exactly what we want.

5. What would be unlived in your life if it ended today? Write your obituary...include things you did and did not do. The goal is to simulate an ending for yourself. Since new beginnings start with endings.

What do you think and feel about the past?
What was unlived in the past, what dreams, what convictions, what talents, what ideas, what qualities in you went unrealized?

6. Take a few days to go on your own version of a passage journey. Spend a few days alone to reflect upon the current transition process. Go somewhere unknown and without familiar comforts. Keep the food simple and small. Don't get distracted with entertainment. Bring a journal. Consider keeping a vigil one night. Note the dreams that come up and/or crazy things that happen. Especially during the morning. Go with what is coming up in the moment, happy, bored, whatever - there is no right outcome.

This neutral zone can happen at any point even after a new beginning. It is when you are unplugged emotionally. Running on autopilot.

"The way out is the way in"

What does it mean to be a father?

Started on 4/13/08:

I have been toying with the notion of fatherhood for several months. My son, Judah, is 15 months old. Therefore, I have been a father for over a year. The question is greater than what does it mean to be a father. I more specifically am searching myself for how can I most embrace fatherhood? That is the core question I am thinking about.

Taking a scientific approach to this - Fatherhood is classified as such.

Family - Human
Genus - Individual Person
Species - Fatherhood

I only break it down like this simply to demonstrate that part of being a good father is connected to being a good person, which is then connected to being part of larger society. The context is somewhat important. While there are unique aspects of what it means to be a good father, many of the characteristics map back to what it means to be a good person.

On the notion of good. This is a moral and relativist approach. It sets up a differentiation and a self other phenomenon. So keeping that in mind, there may not be a right or wrong way to go about things. At some point, depending on one's worldview, we all have to make judgments of what works for us or what does not. This choice then becomes what is right for one person not for all. Thus realizing that another person choosing a different path is doing just that - taking another approach. I believe that the best I can do is make my own distinctions of what is right and wrong. Then when looking at others, I can attempt to stay somewhat open and accept that other people elect to do things differently.

With that said, my belief on fatherhood is focused around the goal of being present, to accept that my son is his own being and at the same time teach him, direct him, and guide him. The more I can be present and share in his experiences the more I am likely to lead, direct, or model appropriately. My goal is to meet him where ever he is. Meaning if he is learning to talk encourage his discovery with language...I realize this post is not concluded, but neither is my role as a father. Therefore, to be continued...as more thoughts percolate.

Trip outline

This is just to give you a sense of the trip we took...

We flew into Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 4th.
December 4th - Soccer game, walking around Palermo
5th - MALBA (Latin art museum), neighborhoods walking, cafe sitting, dinner at Christophe
6th - Plaza de Mayo - dinner at Freud y Fahler
7th - Flew out of B.A. to El Calafate, walked downtown, ate pizza and nice restaurant in town slept in nice youth hostel
8th - Switched to Blanco Patagonia hotel, went for small hike around lake, read, relaxed
9th - Visited Perrito Moreno Glacier, ate at very bad Parilla place
10th - Bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, Lunch at el Living, no dinner, wine and cheese (election day)
11th-15th Torres del Paine National park staying at most luxurious hotel of journey Explora www.explora.com All inclusive, food, hikes, stay, wine, etc...
15th arrival to Punta Arenas most southern Chilean city we visited. Stayed in hostel ate at typical Chilean restaurant
16th- Flight to Balmaceda and visit to Coyhaique, beautiful bus ride to Puerto Aisen and stay in Cabanas listened to free symphony
17th San Rafeal Glacier day trip
18th Trip back to Coyhaique stay with Chilean Family
19th flight to Puerto Montt stay in shady area
20th Organic cafe, wandering around bus trip to Argentina Villa la Angostura, Dinner at Tinto place
21st walking around planning day, computer day, relax, puerto manazano discovery, Tomato restaurant
22nd Tough bike ride in Arrayanes national park (mountain bike), swim in lake, pizza lunch, early night, movie in hotel
23rd car rental and wandering around 7 lakes, hike to waterfall, dinner back at Tinto
24th car ride to Bariloche, stay for night and small circuit drive, dinner at Friends
25th flight back to BA, surprise hotel in BA (Five cool rooms), Hanukkah in plaza dinner at random place
26th La Boca, Puerto Madryn, Once, Ateneo, Desde el Alma
27th San Telmo, shopping, lunch at Meridiano 58 Flight home.

Blue ice...

Honeymoon 341
Originally uploaded by Barbaloot suit.

just the tip...

Another Stamp in the Passport (Chile)

We left El Calafate and headed via bus to a one night visit in Puerto Natales, Chile. The ride was six hours and pretty uneventful. Leaving El Calafate the land becomes a dry empty space on either side of the road. There is nothing to see for miles except fences and the occasional grouping of cows of sheep. This similar view extends for miles and hours. Therefore, we kicked back listened to music and nuzzled into a good book.

The best way to cross the boarder is via bus, because apparently in the airport you get charged $50-100 US for an entry charge. Via bus all that took place was a question if we are brining in food (fruit specifically) and a stamp in the passport. It was pretty quick and smooth. They did not even check our luggage on the bus. An hour after the boarder we rolled into our hotel for the night.

Immediately we were surprised at the cost differential between Argentina and Chile. The other surprise which we did not come to realize until our second day traveling in Chile, was that Chilean Peso price noted in our guide book had greatly changed since the books publication two years ago. We were working off of a 700 : 1 exchange, when in actuality it was 500 : 1. With our sudden realization, we ended up feeling like Argentina was that much more of a deal. As far as cost was concerned, traveling in Chile was similar to traveling in the US. A decent hotel for the night would cost $60-100 a night easily. I guess the US is still a little more expensive, but relative to Argentina we were a little caught off guard. Right now, in South America, Chile is considered to have the strongest economy.

Chile surprised us though. We had read in our guide book about the excellent seafood, but bland preparations. We had also read that Chile, was not as prepared for Tourism like Argentina. The thing that was most striking from leaving Argentina and traveling in Chile, was the contrast in lifestyle. While the Chilean's have the strongest economy, they live a simple frugal lifestyle. We suspect this is due to the fact that over the years their economy has been steadily improving and their wealth is not associated with great fluctuations like Argentina. The Argentines on the other hand live life on the high horse. They eat out at extravagant restaurants, go out to dance clubs and bars, have stylish clothes, have interesting architecture and infrastructure, and do lots of traveling. The Argentines are a people of the street. They leave their houses and engage with the world around them, while the Chileans tend to be people who stay inside. The family is of utmost importance and the lifestyle lends itself to staying inside and saving up money. I can only speak of the life outside of Santiago, since we never made it there.

At one point the Argentines were considered to be one of the Economic powers of the world. There was a time when Argentina's economy was on par with the US (in the 1920's Argentina was the world's seventh strongest economic power). It is amazing to think of such a major shift in a short period of time. These scars of being great and the decline are still present on the Argentine psyche. Regardless, the people really live to the fullest and believe the beauty of life and community.

10,000 year ice

Check out this incredible glacial blue ice. This if from thousands of years of snow, ice, and pressure. It lost most of the oxygen and formed a denser type of ice that reflects blue with sun refraction. Pretty incredible stuff. This was a iceberg floating near the San Rafeal Glacier in Chile. An amazing site. We were floating in a Zodiac boat zipping by here. 

Reflection in Torres del Paine

Again a phenomenal place. Can't say much else right now... 

Torres del Paine

I mean look at this place! It is incredible. This was our first day visiting the park. While at Torres Del Paine, we stayed at one of the nicest hotels during our trip. Hotel Explora is located within the park boundaries and tries to maintain a low profile/impact on the park. The stay was a gift from our parents. After spending all day hiking in the park, you come back to an amazing dinner and a very cozy room. This was the view we had from our bedroom. Even when you sat on the toilet you could see this view. One of the better jops I have ever used... 

The start of our honeymoon

Just testing out to see the photo functionality. 

H2O

Water has been a major theme throughout all our travels. We have seen lots of lakes, frozen glaciers and even drank from many rivers and waterfalls in Torres del Paine. Last night as we toasted Christmas eve and the beauty of the lake district with the hotel owner, we got into a long discussion about the next limited resource of the world - WATER.

The hotel owner, Anibal, in Bariloche was a bit tipsy when we asked for a cup of wine. Laura actually just wanted one cup. Anibal looked around the bar and could only offer us liquor. When he realized we were interested in wine, in a loud voice, he said VINO and then went ahhhh! He left the bar and headed to the private area of the hotel where he and his family live. He came back with two glasses and a bottle of white wine that he claimed was very good. We only wanted one cup, but he insisted on pouring us two and leaving the bottle. This was not a matter of poor Spanish, but rather his already inebriated state. After pouring the two glasses, we invited him to join us. Little did we know that he would then offer his monologue on the politics of water.

This was not the first time during our Patagonian travels that water was the focus of conversation. In fact, during our tour of the Perrito Moreno glacier in El Calafate, our guide talked about how scientists were measuring the glacier to note if it was receding at a rate faster than it should, due to global warming. Ultimately, we learned that in fact the world is in a glacial period where all glaciers should be receding. Therefore, it is not a concern that they are shrinking. The concern stems from the rate at which it is happening. Still scientists argue over the topic and there is no clear conclusion. Regardless, our guide emphasized, that whether the rate of recession was too high or normal it is important in the world to conserve water. The world is something like 85% water. Of this 85% there is something like 2-3% of fresh water. Much of this fresh water is contained in the various glaciers of the world. The other are in lakes and streams, of which many have been polluted and contaminated. Therefore, simple acts in everyday life, like deciding not to wash your car every week/day or to water the lawn, etc...in the long run can make a difference. His was a message of conservation and the importance of water.

Anibal on the other hand spoke of the politics of water. His discussion focused on the power of the US. His point was that currently we are in a phase of fighting over oil = Iraq. This is no revelation. But, the next wars and power will be fought over fresh water. Argentina is filled with clean fresh water resources, from large deep lakes, to giant systems of glaciers. He also mentioned that the US was talking with Argentina about buying water. He joked about the power of the US. That if the US wanted water all they really needed to do was demand it, and any country would agree. If a country did not agree then he surmised a war would happen and the US would bully its way to the water. Therefore, to avoid the big bully anyone would agree. Not a very favorable view of the US, but most likely a realistic one.

Then he told us something that seemed implausible (mind you the whole time he was drunk and getting drunker). He said that Japan a couple of years ago had bought a chunk of a glacier from Argentina. They brought a huge cargo ship, filled it with the 10,000 year old glacial ice and then shipped it across the ocean. If this is true, this is ridiculous. Who has the right to sell a chunk of a 10,000 year old glacier? I understand that there are millions of people in Japan and that it is a small country with limited resources, but come on...shipping a chuck of a glacier across a salty ocean...WOW. So I researched it and found absolutely nothing on googol and major new sites. So, who knows...this might just be one drunk man's conspiracy theories. Regardless, with the world's need for fresh water, something like this may not be far off.

In my search an interesting site came up: http://www.worldwaterwars.com/

Water is vital and so many of us do not drink enough. It helps us think cleared and our body/organs function properly. Therefore, drink lots, but waste not.

The wine he shared with us was pretty good and regardless of the truth of Anibals words, the conversation was thought provoking.

El Calafate _ Patagonia

This is the name of a the second destination we visited. It also refers to a berry, similar to a blueberry, that makes yummy jam. The reason we headed to El Calafate was to visit Argentina's second most famous site - the Perrito Moreno Glacier. This glacier is part of the Southern Glacial system that are high up in the Andes. It is one of the most impressive, because to arrive there all you need to do is drive and walk a very short distance. There are not many glaciers in the world that you can access so easily. Most require a flight, a boat ride, or a long hike. Therefore, lots of tourist hit up this spot.

Unfortunately the town of El Calafate only exists because of the glacier. Therefore, the downtown strip is one tshirt/tour shop/Internet place after another. Also the prices are much higher than in Buenos Aires. Regardless the journey is worth it. We flew from Buenos Aires after four days to arrive to El Calafate. It was a long flight, because the Argentina is the fifth largest country in the world and El Calafate is a very southern Patagonian city. Where as Buenos Aires is pretty far north.

This also means we were near Antartica where the Ozone layer has vanished. Therefore, lots of sunscreen was required. Since a glacier reflect tons of sunlight, even while wearing 45 SPF I got a slight burn. I guess I needed to re-apply. Luckily Laura who tends to burn did re-apply.

The glacier is spectacular. I shoots down a mountain side and ends in a large lake. The lake has turned turquoise due to the glacier. They call is glacial milk. What happens is when the glacier mass moves over the earth, it slowly churns up minerals from the rock which deposit into the lakes. When the sun reflects off of the glacial milk, gorgeous colors of light blue to dark green are reflected. We took lots of picks and will share them on Flickr upon our return.

We stayed in a chill spot called Blanco Patagonia. It was slightly removed from the touristy downtown and we had our own cabin for less than $50 a night. El Calafate was chill and gorgeous, but it was not until we reached Chile three days later that we were in for the real treat, National Park Torres del Paine. This place is fantastic and is up there with some of the best national parks I have ever visited. In an upcoming blog I will share more about our visit there. Hope all is well and people are getting excited about the holiday break coming up.