
Change on the Run
44 Ways to Survive Workplace Uncertainty
By Phil Buckley
Published 03/2021
About the Author
Phil Buckley is an award-winning author, coach, public speaker, and senior change management professional with over 32 large-scale change projects under his belt, including co-leading global change management for the $19.6 billion Kraft Foods acquisition of Cadbury. For the past 25 years, leaders and teams across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. have relied on him to help them drive performance through change. He is also the author of Change with Confidence and the host of the Change on the Run podcast.
Main Idea
Change on the Run: 44 Ways to Survive Workplace Uncertainty by Phil Buckley is a laser-focused guide designed for the time-strapped manager. It offers practical strategies to navigate the uncertainties and disruptions in today's workplace efficiently and effectively. Buckley provides survival strategies, applying his 80/20 rule to identify one action that will deliver 80 percent of the results in 20 percent of the time, accompanied by three key steps to achieving it. The book emphasizes being fast and effective rather than perfect in managing change, enabling individuals to move quickly from one task or challenge to the next.
Table of Contents
- Managing Me
- Managing the Work
- Managing Others
Managing Me
Assessing Your Strengths
Buckley advises that everyone goes through a personal transition during a business transition. To manage this effectively, it is crucial to take stock of your strengths. Reviewing actions you do well, such as planning, motivating people, and problem-solving, can help create an inventory of change skills. Feedback from past performance reviews and your network can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
"Reviewing actions you do well is a good start to creating your inventory of change skills." - Phil Buckley
Buckley emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and leveraging your strengths to navigate through change effectively. Understanding what you excel at and focusing on those areas can significantly improve your ability to manage transitions. This involves reflecting on past successes, gathering feedback from colleagues, and identifying patterns that reveal your core competencies. By concentrating on your strengths, you can approach change with confidence and clarity, making it easier to tackle new challenges and adapt to shifting circumstances.
- Review past performance reviews for patterns of strengths.
- Seek feedback from managers and team members on strengths and "watch-out" areas.
- Identify and leverage your top three strengths in change-related tasks.
Setting Your Personal Goals
Organizational change projects provide opportunities for personal growth. Buckley suggests setting personal goals in three areas: skills, behaviors, and relationships. These goals should focus on how the experience will help you grow, contributing to your leadership narrative.
"An organizational change project provides real opportunities for personal growth because it’s dynamic, complex, and involves people at all levels and areas of work." - Phil Buckley
Buckley highlights the importance of setting clear and attainable personal goals during change initiatives. By focusing on developing specific skills, improving behaviors, and building relationships, you can maximize the benefits of the experience. This structured approach ensures that you are not only contributing to the success of the project but also advancing your own professional growth. Writing down your goals and tracking your progress can help you stay focused and motivated, making the most of the opportunities presented by change.
- Identify specific skills you want to develop during the project.
- Set goals for improving behaviors, such as communication and leadership.
- Focus on building and strengthening professional relationships.
Optimizing Your Limited Time
Most people have fewer resources than they need for their change role, so prioritizing activities is essential. Buckley emphasizes the importance of spending time with leaders as they make decisions, which will significantly impact the success of your project.
"Prioritize spending time with leaders as they are making decisions." - Phil Buckley
Buckley advises that effective time management is crucial when resources are limited. Prioritizing your efforts and focusing on high-impact activities can make a significant difference. By ensuring you are present during critical decision-making moments and providing valuable input, you can influence outcomes and drive the success of the change initiative. This strategic approach to time management helps you make the most of your limited resources and ensures that your contributions have the greatest possible impact.
- Attend status meetings where leaders review progress and make decisions.
- Document decisions, decision-makers, and required information.
- If access to leaders is limited, provide information to someone they rely on.
Making Decisions
Helping leaders make informed decisions quickly is crucial. Buckley suggests listing pros and cons for each option to review them in the context of your objectives, enabling better and more supported choices.
"Showing them the implications of their options will lead to better and more supported choices." - Phil Buckley
Buckley stresses the importance of facilitating quick and effective decision-making. By presenting leaders with clear options, complete with pros and cons, you can help them understand the potential impacts of their choices. This method allows for more informed and supported decisions, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring that the change initiative stays on track. Effective decision-making is essential for maintaining momentum and achieving project goals, making this a critical skill for any change leader.
- Identify three options and list their pros and cons.
- Choose the option that best aligns with your goals.
- Share the preferred option with leaders and implement it with their support.
Addressing an Emergency
Emergencies are opportunities to take charge and demonstrate your capabilities. Buckley advises gathering facts, discussing options, and communicating a recovery plan to stakeholders to manage crises effectively.
"Emergencies are excellent opportunities to take charge and show what you’re capable of." - Phil Buckley
Buckley outlines a structured approach to managing emergencies, emphasizing the need for calm and decisive action. By gathering accurate information, discussing potential solutions, and clearly communicating the recovery plan, you can effectively manage crises and mitigate their impact. This proactive approach not only resolves the immediate issue but also showcases your leadership skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations, enhancing your reputation within the organization.
- Gather facts from those closest to the situation.
- Discuss options and assign responsibilities to address the crisis.
- Communicate the recovery plan to leaders and stakeholders.
Responding to Criticism
Criticism is inevitable in major change initiatives. Buckley recommends asking critics for evidence supporting their views and responding with well-researched plans and recommendations.
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