4 Questions Leaders Must Answer When Managing Change

Posted by Ron Snyder in Other | 0 comments

Think back on an important change effort that you were involved in; implementing a new direction, system or process. Though some changes go smoothly, most change efforts experience resistance. Why is it an uphill battle? One reason is that we’re biologically wired to resist change. The human body is designed to be homeostatic – stable and balanced. When change occurs, our body makes every effort to restore its original state. The human brain forms neurological patterns that inform our behaviors. The path of least resistance (both neurologically and psychologically) is to continue our current behavior. Another reason is that old habits die hard. Most people prefer to do things “the way we’ve always done them.” With a reasonable effort, however, you can forge a new path… and with it, achieve new results. People react differently to change. Some are open to it; even thrive on it. Others are more risk-averse and resist change. Typically, the people who drive change are more visionary. They can see the benefit of taking a new course. Visionaries need to realize that, even though they see the potential positive impact of a change, it may not be so obvious to others. To be effective, visionaries must sell their vision and the need for change… and have to work harder at maintaining the momentum than they expect! When considering change, our thought process is very similar to how we make a buying decision. We work through a similar set of questions:

1. Are we motivated to solve this problem?
2. Is this the right solution?
3. Is it worth the effort or cost?
4. How do we succeed?

If you are a leader executing and managing change to drive results, you need to go through this process yourself first, then with your management team, and finally help the people involved realize that the value is worth the effort. Let's explore these questions and how to answer each of them to help those involved embrace the change.  

Being Likable is the Key to Success

Posted by Ron Snyder in Other | 0 comments

Check out the 12 Habits of Extremely Likable People. How many of these do you exhibit regularly? As I reflect on the people who I have really enjoyed working with, they have had many of these characteristics. Sales and management has become so much more collaborative over the past 20 years. It is even more important in complex sales. You must successfully interact with so many people... in the customer account, working with partners and with your internal resources and executives. If you are a manager today, you must inspire people and earn their respect. Being likable certainly can be a key to success in that area. One executive I have worked with has always been able to ramp up his team in any new role he has taken on. Why? Because he has a long Rolodex of people he has worked with in the past. Whenever he calls any of us up asking if we want to work with him in his new role, we are happy to jump on board. Why? Because he has these characteristics! Share your stories of likable people.