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Leading change microtools

Having been on so many leadership courses that introduce various theoretical models for how to lead change I thought I would compile my go to list of easy to use practical microtools that I regularly use on my own or with my team, loosely themed around:

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  • Looking after myself and my people

  • Building our team

  • Setting our direction

  • Making things happen

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They are simple to learn, fun to use and they work.  And to be honest, they are as much about leadership as leading change.  It ends up being the same thing.  Pick one and give it a go - the worst that could happen is you embarrass yourself!  My scariest moment was asking 3 people to try the 'magic teleporter' in front of 75 IT project managers who were sat there with their arms crossed with a 'we don't talk about our feelings' look on their faces.  10 minutes later the atmosphere in the room was so different, it felt calmer, less confrontational and it enabled the rest of the workshop to discuss some difficult topics. Phew!

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Why not try One word mood at the start of your next stand-up?

One word mood.jpg

At the start of a session, ask everyone to write ONE WORD describing their mood RIGHT NOW onto a post-it note.  Ask them to read out their word as they stick it to the wall.  You may wish to probe a bit. 

 

Great for understanding the mood in the room so you can adjust your style, content, approach and pace.  Repeat at the end and explore any changes.

 

Variations: do this anonymously if your team isn’t comfortable discussing emotions, or draw pictures instead of using words

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