In sports, the games haven’t changed.  The size, speed, conditioning and talent of the players; and competency of the coaching staff have.

The same is true in business.  The fitness, speed and intelligence that were once competitive are now a formula for failure.  Being a great manager or a hands-on boss doesn’t cut it anymore. A few yards and a cloud of dust isn’t a winning business proposition.

The mediating skill of “leading” has become a prerequisite for business success. Developing it is the challenge that companies of every size face. 

Great ideas don’t make money, people who can get their minds and energy around these ideas do.  A Field Guide for Observing the Leadership of Change takes you along as four companies struggle to change their cultures, and get their players in condition to better compete.

Organizational culture is simply the compilation of its habits. Habits are hard to break, some more than others.  You can’t boss or manage changing an organization’s habits.  Change has to be led. 

About the Author:

Joe Schmid is the Managing Principal of Oak Leaf Consulting, LLC (www.oakleafconsulting.com).  He has over 35 years of business experience with an extensive background in change leadership, and the development of high-performance self-managing organizations. Joe has held positions as Plant Manager, VP of Manufacturing and Engineering, VP/GM, and as a corporate officer. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit.