Small change: embrace the sceptics

First published on
Nov 29, 2022

Writing Small Change Communicating clearly Culture in companies Difficult conversations Getting change done High performing teams Leadership development 2022

Many change programmes seek to quash scepticism under a tidal wave of good feeling. But tidal waves don’t drown scepticism; it will continue to breed beneath the surface.

But sceptics are more useful than they might appear. They can question received wisdom, spot problems on the horizon, and keep conversations honest. Instead of trying to drown out your sceptics, seek to understand their concerns and address them through your change programme. Then you will see what a real tidal wave of good feeling looks like.

Something to consider: how can I work with, not against, the energy of my sceptics?

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Giving a team the inspiration and technique to scale ideas

“Brilliant, astute, knowledgeable, and witty.

Phil grasped our business challenge with incredible speed and led us to rethink how we do business.”

SARAH MASON – CMO, COSMOS

REPAIRING A BUSINESS-CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP

“I’m not sure, but Phil might be a magician.”

JULIE BISHOP – CO-CEO, IT NATURALLY

Getting change past the post in a complicated context

“Transformational for both my personal and professional growth.”

STUART WILLIAMSON — CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER, THE JOCKEY CLUB

Instilling accountability to help a great team do great things

“Real smarts, and the external perspective we needed.

We are now securing industry standards of margin.”

NEIL CRUMP – CEO, AURORA HEALTHCARE

COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURAL CHANGE

“Incredibly responsive and empathetic to our specific challenges and ambition.

Phil inspired and challenged our leadership team to ensure that our transformation had our people at its heart.”

Darina Garland, Co-CEO, Ooni

Enabling a Board to work to its full potential

“His years of experience allow for a highly credible, disciplined and empathic approach.

Phil offers the right balance of push and encouragement.”

VIV HSU – PARTNER, JBI

Small change: embrace the sceptics

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