organizations

Change Platforms: Less Burning, More Inspiration

Author:  Laiza N. Otero, MSOD, Organization Development Consultant

During change initiatives, it is not uncommon to hear questions about the urgency of the effort, the business case/need for it, or what the “burning platform” is that drives the change.  But what if we reframed the conversation to one of inspiration and energy? That is one (out of many) ideas  David Cooperrider challenges one to think about during the course “The New Change Equation” at Case Western Reserve University.

Cooperrider’s question led me to reflect about the different organization development (OD) models and tools I use with my clients. Were they in alignment with the appreciative, strengths-based approach I prefer to use in my work? Were they inspirational? If no, how could I reframe them? Continue reading →

Leadership Refresher from a 4-Year Old

Author:  Laiza N. Otero, MSOD, Organization Development Consultant

Our actions and words matter, at all times. And unless we walk around like an annotated book, everyone we encounter will interpret our actions and words differently according to their mental frameworks of the world.  Furthermore, others’ interpretations go beyond what we say or do to what we do not say and do not do.  Given this, it is critical that we check-in with each other to ensure or create a shared understanding of what is happening around and among us — especially in our roles as leaders, whether at work, community, or home.

As a leader, we explicitly and implicitly set the tone, culture, and norms of our organizations.  Others take their cues from us as to what behavior is permissible or not, often times without us even realizing what is happening.  That was the case last December with my 4-year old daughter. Continue reading →