Intro:
Hello, my name is Cherry Vanderbeke and I've just joined the digest
version of this list. I am a consultant with Wang New Zealand, based in
Auckland. I consult to Wang's customers on business analysis, process
re-design, change management - and am also an internal change management
consultant to the chief executive and exec. team as they implement their
strategic plan to turn Wang NZ from a hardware retailer to a systems
integration company. My interest in LO is simple - I believe that as
individuals and as organisations we need to know how to learn successfully
in order to survive, and in order to _enjoy_ surviving!
Re. LO8653 - Lisa Headley asked:
"What can I do, in a position with little influence at this time, to make
a difference in initiating corporate change? I (and others here) can see
so many things that could be improved upon - lack of planning, reacting
rather than being pro-active, attending to short-term goals only,
management's stating that they value XYZ and then not following through
(not "putting their money where their mouth is")."
I've just been listening to the recorded version of Charles Handy's book,
"The Empty Raincoat". An excellent and thought-provoking book! He ends
by saying something along the lines of "we can't wait for major change.
We each need to light our own fires to light up the darkness." (not an
exact quote - one disadvantage of a tape rather than a book, I suppose!!)
This really struck a chord with me... When I found myself in Lisa's
position a few months ago, I formulated some ideas on how to solve one
or two of the issues I saw, and went to the person who could legitimise
them. In my case, that was the Ceo. He listened, then asked me to
work alongside him. And changes are now happening... So my suggestion
is, think of something manageable that you can tackle yourself (maybe
co-opt some like-minded colleagues), get approval if necessary (depends
on the culture of the organisation), and Just Do It. Set an example.
Show everyone else what people can do when they use their initiative.
You may then find that things will snowball and other people will
follow your example, but just in case they don't, do keep exercising
your optimistic, perservering and tenacious muscles!!!
Best of luck, Lisa....has anyone else out there been in the same
position and made something happen in their organisation?
Cherry
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Cherry Vanderbeke, Wang New Zealand Limited
Email: ckv@wang.co.nz
"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do"
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--Cherry Vanderbeke <CKV@wang.co.nz>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>