Easy Way to Begin Changing

The Bible talks about how the rest of body follows the tongue. At a Leadership team meeting a few months ago the managers of a car dealership were talking about how difficult change can be.  The team member survey results for one manager indicated many problems that pointed to his behavior as seen by the employees.  Although everyone agreed he was a good person at heart, and he wanted to change, the task seemed monumental and he did not know where to start.

I stepped over to a flip chart and said, “Start with something easy.”  Before you say anything ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say focused in the past or future?”  I wrote Past to the left and Future to the right and drew a horizontal line down the center. I facilitated a discussion.

I then asked, “Is it Negative or Positive?”  I wrote Negative at the bottom and Positive at the top and drew another line between them to form what looked like a crosshair. I facilitated another discussion.

Then, I moved the discussion to where they were today and where they wanted to be tomorrow. I wrote Inspiring Leader in the top right quadrant, It was a simple exercise and they got it.  When I was there recently their employee action team expressed how much easier it is to deal with him today.  This simple technique changed him, the way he is perceived by others, their work environment and their culture. 
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Watch your Thoughts for they become Words
Watch you Words for they become Actions
Watch your Actions for they become Habits
Watch your Habits for they become your Character
Watch your Character for it becomes your Destiny
    
                        Margaret Thatcher

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