Management Tip of the Day: Let Employees Tell Their Own Stories about Change

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 16, 2012 Let Employees Tell Their Own Stories about Change Conventional approaches to change management urge leaders to set a vision and cascade it down the organization. This may save time, but it misses an important point: When people make their own decisions, they are more dedicated to what follows. The energy needed to drive change comes through a sense of ownership over the answer. Instead of dictating how the organization will evolve, take a high-involvement approach. Describe the problem you are trying to solve and then ask others how they would address it. During these discussions, roughly lay out your vision, but ask employees how they picture the change taking place. This takes time and effort of course. But the payoff is huge. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Increase Your Team's Motivation Five-Fold" by Scott Keller. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Guide to Getting the Right Work Done HBR OnPoint Collection Struggling to get to-much less complete-your most important work? Leaving your job most days exhausted but with little to show for it? Overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and endless e-mails? Plagued by procrastination? Use this guide to learn how to accomplish more of the right work more efficiently by eliminating endless "urgent" tasks, delegating effectively, preventing procrastination, writing to-do lists that work, and renewing your energy with simple rituals. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Change Your Culture a Few Behaviors at a Time Apply the Right Kind of Pressure to Innovators Create Raving Fans for Your Idea Demonstrate Your Credibility as a Leader Explore a New Career with an Informational Interview Reveal Your Intentions to Build Trust Motivate Your Problem Employee Introverts Can Still Innovate Give Your Organization a Marketing Makeover Create an Office Space that Encourages Teamwork All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)