Inside Change

Inside Change

Change from the Inside Out

Change initiatives fail because humans are hardwired to return to what's worked for us in the past. This book offers a straightforward process for rewiring ourselves and those we lead to be more change-capable. Erika Andersen says avoiding change has been a historical imperative. In this book, she shows how we can overcome that reluctance and get good at making necessary change. Using a fictional story about a jewelry business changing generational hands, Andersen lays out a five-step model for addressing both this human side of change and its practical aspects: Step 1: Clarify the change and why it’s needed—Get clear on what the change is and the benefits it will bring. Step 2: Envision the future state—Build a shared picture of the post-change future. Step 3: Build the change—Bring together a change team, engage key stakeholders, and plan the change. Step 4: Lead the transition—Build a transition plan that supports the human side of the change, then engage the whole organization in making the change. Step 5: Keep the change going—Work to make your organization permanently more change-capable. With opportunities to self-reflect and try out the ideas and approaches throughout, this book is a practical guide to thriving in this era of nonstop change.

True Change

Drawing on her own long-term research and extensive work experience, Janice Klein reveals how the power of people (insiders who are able to see problems from outsider's perspective), approach ("pulling change"), and system (support infrastructure) combine to turn new ideas and concepts into institutionalized practices. In particular, certain people inside organizations "outsiders on the inside" are key to driving innovation, adaptation, and real change. Using examples from leading companies in MIT's Leaders for Manufacturing (LFM) and System Design and Management (SDM) Partnership -- such as Boeing, Intel, Motorola, Alcoa, Ford, Kodak, and others -- she shows how employees at all levels can learn how to become "an outsider on the inside," and be in the right place at the right time to discover opportunities to "pull" into their organization. Throughout, we grow to understand the perspectives of numerous "outsiders on the inside," by hearing their voices and observing their actions. The strategy Klein provides is relevant for any company that hopes to build a change capability, rather than attempt only to manage change.