A sixth sense for project management | Tres Roeder | TEDxCWRU
Nonprofits & Activism
Introduction
Thank you to everyone involved in organizing this event. It has been a well-organized occasion, and I appreciate all of you for being here today and investing in your future. As you may know, the world has opportunities to do better, and you are part of that initiative. Here at Case Western Reserve University, as you develop yourselves, you prepare to make a difference out in the world.
For the last thirty years of my career, I have focused on change because I wanted, in my own way, to contribute positively to society. If we are to bridge the gap between where we are and where we need to be, it requires a deep understanding of change, which is why this institution is such an appropriate place for this discussion.
Case Western has a notable legacy, having graduated the first African-American student in the United States and six of the eight first female physicians in the country. If you are watching online and are not part of this institution, look to your local community and you will see positive change occurring in your area.
What we will discuss today is how each of you can participate in creating positive change. I'll take you back 17 years to a consulting experience I had while working for a Fortune 500 organization. About 30 or 40 consultants were crowded into a small, windowless room, analyzing data and creating presentations in secrecy. A transparent problem arose when people outside would peer through the glass window, wanting to know what we were doing—this led us to use some paper and duct tape for privacy.
When the time came for us to present our findings, the senior executives who had been accustomed to a certain way of thinking for the past decades received our recommendations—among them some that were contrary to their beliefs. Naturally, they pushed back against our facts and data.
To navigate such situations, I learned a framework that reshaped my approach to change. It begins with awareness. To be an effective leader, you must cultivate awareness of yourself, others, and your environment. While data is essential for gauging whether change is positive, the power of understanding people and their non-verbal cues cannot be overlooked.
As you increase your awareness, you'll be flooded with information; that’s where the concept of whole body decisions becomes valuable. Combining the intellect of your brain, the intuition of your heart, and the instincts of your gut improves decision-making outcomes. Research from the U.S. military illustrates that relying solely on the brain can yield only a 70% success rate, which is inadequate in high-stakes situations.
Next, as you lead change, you will need followers, necessitating clear communication. Effective communication involves ensuring that the ideas in your mind correlate with what others comprehend. Consider this analogy: If I were to give you directions to a party at Michelle's house, I could provide printed directions, a map, or simply talk you through it. Each method caters to different preferences, which means a successful leader must adapt communication styles.
It's crucial to acknowledge that change is not a straight line. My own experience in local government taught me that when my plans for a teen center faced skepticism, I needed to build a more optimistic stakeholder group, locate an appropriate venue, and adapt as necessary. This illustrates the importance of maintaining your core vision while being flexible in execution.
The fifth discipline is diplomacy; you should not be evaluated based on the presence of conflict, as some level of friction comes with pursuing change. Instead, your actions during conflicts reveal your leadership caliber. Understanding individuals' rational, emotional, and political perspectives can help manage such conflicts effectively.
Lastly, we must emphasize persistence. Simply wanting to prevail is not enough; you need a strategic approach to pushing forward, knowing when to advance and when to withdraw, as this will depend on the unique rhythm of each change initiative.
To conclude, as you embark on your own journeys of positive change, applying these six disciplines—awareness, whole body decisions, clear communication, adaptation, diplomacy, and persistence—can help you make a meaningful difference. Your contributions are crucial to overcoming the challenges that our world faces today.
Thank you for being here, and best of luck to all of you!
Keywords
- Awareness
- Change
- Whole Body Decisions
- Clear Communication
- Adaptation
- Diplomacy
- Persistence
FAQ
Q: What is the importance of awareness in project management?
A: Awareness helps leaders understand themselves, others, and their environment, which is crucial for effective change management.
Q: What are whole body decisions?
A: Whole body decisions involve engaging your brain, heart, and gut to improve decision-making outcomes.
Q: Why is flexible communication important?
A: Flexible communication accommodates different personal preferences, ensuring that ideas and plans are conveyed clearly to all stakeholders.
Q: How should conflict be managed in the pursuit of change?
A: Conflict is a natural part of change; effective leaders manage conflict through understanding various perspectives and strategies instead of avoiding it.
Q: What role does persistence play in leading change?
A: Persistence, combined with adaptability and awareness, helps leaders navigate the ups and downs associated with implementing change successfully.