run with a rebel wild pack create a better future

3.18.15 @RebelsAtWork @LoisKelly

Run With A Rebel Wild Pack: Create a Better Future

Software Architecture Conference

Why is change so hard?

Why is being a change instigator so hard?

My biggest challenge in creating change is:

1. Afraid I might hurt my reputation/career2. My boss is resistant to most new ideas3. Unclear how decisions really get made4. My ideas go against the culture of my

organization5. I hate dealing with conflict and controversy6. Working through approval processes makes

me crazy

Mindset Skills Self-care

FEARSO WHAT?

OBSESSION

Bad Rebel Good Rebel

Complain Create

Me-focused Mission focused

Pessimist Optimist

Problems Possibilities

Anger Passion

Alienate people Attract support

Assertions Questions

Pinpoint fingers Pinpoint causes

Lecture Listen

Worry that Wonder if

Obsessed Reluctant@Rebels at Work

What assumptions mightbe in your way?FEAR

Address your boss’ worries

Not having all answersAvoiding criticismManaging riskWasting time, resourcesNot being recognized

6 reasons bosses say NO

1. It’s just not that important2. I can’t understand what the “it” is3. Bad timing4. Uncertainty makes me nervous5. I don’t like the idea and can’t tell

you6. I love the way things are

Don’t go it alone. Create a rebel wild pack.

10%: The minority rules

http://news.rpi.edu/luwakkey/2902

Understand the organizational landscape

• What is most valued?• How are decisions made?• What are the business cycles?• Who influences what and whom?• What’s getting talked about?

SKILLS

Make friends with BBB’s

Who are two BBB’s with whom you should have lunch?

(Bureaucratic Black Belts)

What’s at stake Show how the idea relates to what people want.

What could be Make the status quo unappealing.

Why it can work People support ideas they think can work.

What do people in your organization really want? Is it stated or unstated?

Communicate to effect behavior

Connect to what’s understood

It’s a new magazine that combines the best of Rolling Stone and Harvard Business Review….

It’s an executive car service with wings…

It’s the love child of Sharepoint and Facebook…

Framing your idea

Prove it can work. Earn more trust.

• What’s needed to realize the dream?

• What might impede progress?

• What preparation is needed?

• How will you evaluate progress?

• What can team stop doing or do less of?

There can be no change without conflict.

• Invite conversation + listen• What’s the real issue?• Ask for alternative solutions• Master the meeting• Strategically address the bullies

Gratitude: what is going well. Write down 3 things each week, share with team.

Penalty boxes: If you end up in penalty box for positive intent, know you’ll recover. Use the time to observe, set new strategy.

Friendships: outside of work friends = priceless to sanity, well being.

Get outside: all adventures are easier when you you’re healthy, fit, rested.

SELF-CARE

Should you keep going?

• Rate importance• Is the energy waning?• Is it performance objective

worthy? • How much are your colleagues

willing to help? • Are you becoming not yourself?

If you’re thrown under the bus…

• Beware your anger• Go under radar• Avoid failure language• Find a new boss• Perspective: work – life• Should you quit?

Know when to quit

Make it safe

When you’re leading rebels

@LoisKelly@RebelsAtWorkwww.rebelsatwork.com

www.facebook.com/RebelsatWork

lois@rebelsatwork.comwww.foghound.com