The Value of an Outside Observer
A while back, I was at lunch with a consultant from a top tier strategy firm, a specialist in change management. Her company works with international mega-corporations. They investigate communication disconnects, process model breakdowns, and unproductive beliefs, habits, and behaviors. Their studies are qualitative and quantitative. Their strategic reports are solid, multi-leveled, interdepartmental, focused and team-based. It’s fascinating to hear how it works.
At the core of the process is helping corporations and individuals see themselves so that they can change to accomplish their goals. No one knows the value of an outside observer better than a world class firm in the business of doing do so.
Yet as the conversation continued, I heard the fatal flaw. The top-tier consultancy was performing a “change management” project within their own firm. No outside professionals were invited to help.
“We can do it ourselves. It’s our business,” was what she said.
I thought, I suppose every one of their clients thinks the same thing.
…
Of course, we’d never make that sort of mistake.
Have you got a change manager?
I started working with mine right after that lunch.
I make connections.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Buy the ebook. Learn online conversation.
It’s so true, we are often way to close to be objective about what needs to be changed in our life, our jobs, our businesses. It is important to get a fresh perspective from time to time. It is also important to shake things up and get out of your comfort zone, often easier if someone else is telling you to do it – it is more like a task than a chore.
Hi Andi,
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat with a friend who cared and laughed to hear my own words coming back at me in the form of what I should be doing that I’m not. Yeah, we all need a look from the outside. 🙂
Great example of how important it is to receive outside help and critique. I try to ask for critique of my work pretty regularly so that I know what others are thinking.
Especially clients
Hi Seth,
Yeah, our feedback loops are so important, now more than ever. The pace at which we work makes it harder for us to stop and reflect, so to collect others’ thoughts on what we do is even that much more valuable. Gosh I wish I remembered to ask as often as yuo do. 🙂
The first thing that came to mind after reading your post was the saying “…like the blind leading the blind.”And for so many years, I was very blind. But I am blessed to have had major changes, shifts, “aha” moments, and course corrections in my life that have come from others who have lovingly and sometimes not so lovingly given me a good swift kick to the rear that has “made all the difference.” You my friend I count as one who lovingly opened a new path, and I want to acknowledge that and say THANK YOU!
Hi Marla!
You are truly awesome. Thank you for the day we spent talking and sharing our worlds, our lives, and our goals. The learning comes so much easier now that I ask rather than wait to fall down to get it.
Heh heh. You are welcome to all that I’ve got. 🙂