Secret... Shhhh: Everyone’s Story is the Way

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What It’s About: During my vacation, I was reflecting on what I’ve learned and unlearned over the past year. Of course, doing this well can be both humbling and insightful. If you want to have a positive cultural impact in your organization and/or team, with a minimum investment and/or without need for fancy consulting expertise, DO THIS ONE THING! Sit down (or Zoom) with EVERY person in your organization, in groups of no more than 20, and ask each person this question: “Can you tell me a time in your life when you had the courage to change and adapt?” Allow people five minutes of uninterrupted time to share their very personal experiences. No judgment or feedback, other than compassionate responses, should be allowed from the listeners. People will be riveted in their seats, listening and/or sharing.

So What?: The stories you hear from people will blow your mind. Everyone has a story, and each of us has demonstrated the ability to adapt in some meaningful way. After listening, ask people if they think the organization has the ability to adapt to the pandemic and all the disruption in front of the organization. The answer will be a resounding YES, and the question or concern regarding the company’s ability to adapt will be appropriately squashed or minimized. Then you can challenge the group to identify what they need from you and other leaders to successfully navigate the culture forward. This is such a positive process.

Now what?: Please give serious consideration to applying this process in your organization, regardless of size. It is so powerful. You will accelerate simply by taking the action, although you will quickly gain more momentum by listening and making lots of small changes based on suggestions given. I’m serious. Do this in the next few months, and you will be grateful. After this, the real culture transformation work can begin based on what you’ve heard. Much of it is low hanging fruit. What a way to start though!!

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: It’s so simple, and yet so meaningful at the same time. I wonder how many people have truly been asked to share this story of theirs before? We’ve all written these into our personal log books at one point, however it’s likely one of the most unopened documents to share. It’s these flight paths that should be explored and heard to help all organizations most successfully plan their next destination.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Secret... Shhhh: Everyone’s Story is the Way

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