Effective leaders know the extent to which people are likely to support or resist a new project. Are they likely to say, I don't get it or are they likely to understand what you are talking about? Are they likely to say, I don't like it, or will they be excited and enthusiastic about getting engaged in this new initiative? And, how about their relationship with you? Are they likely to mutter under their breath, I don't like you or do they have trust and confidence in you? (If you've read any of my stuff, you'll recognize these as Level 1, 2, and 3 issues.) The answers to those questions will have a significant impact on your ability to lead effectively.   

You can't overestimate the importance of knowing the answers to those three questions.   

But I am often asked, "How do you find out what those issues are?" Of course you can conduct surveys, focus groups, informal chats, etc. etc. . . . But often that information is right in front of you if you are willing to look. As the great management guru and baseball player Yogi Berra once said, "You can observe a lot just by watching." 

Years ago, workers at a large utility published an underground mimeographed newsletter titled "The Grunt." It was a treasure-trove of Level 1, 2, and 3 feedback to management. But instead of welcoming each new issue, leaders went in search of the people who published The Grunt, not to thank them, but to punish them. 

That's why I applaud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for seeing the value in informal candid feedback. During deployment in Iraq, Alex Horton wrote a 1000-word diatribe against the department. He said things like, "How many obscene scandals, misappropriations, and misdiagnoses does it take to see that there is a rotten core at the center?" Instead of trying to muffle his voice, the VA hired him to blog full-time about the agency. Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth said, "It's absolutely outside the comfort zone of how the VA has done things. . . and we need that." I admire her courage. (The Washington Post 5/10/11) 

It's Time...Free Bonus Time

For purchasing the new edition of "Beyond the Wall of Resistance"  

Many thanks to the readers of this newsletter who completed the survey on what bonuses you'd like people to receive for purchasing the new 2010 paperback edition of Beyond the Wall of Resistance.  And you wanted something new which I had to create.  And so, I did.  It's a free double bonus offer and I am very excited it!

And perhaps this free resource can help you and your clients avoid the not-uncommon problem you see in this cartoon. (Wish I could say that the cartoon was an exaggeration, but I can see many of my clients shaking their heads as they read it.)    

The Consultant's Guide to Beyond the Wall of Resistance 

  White Paper Podcast

The free Podcast and a white paper show consultants and coaches how to effectively use the ideas in my book with clients.  I wrote the white paper, and accompanying Podcast, as a companion to the 2010 edition of Beyond the Wall of Resistance. That's what you asked for, so that's what you get when purchasing the book.  No matter when you purchased the book, you are still eligible to get the Podcast and white paper free.

I hope you will take advantage of this bonus, I am a bit proud of this new Consultant's Guide.  It's the closest thing to us working together while not being together.

Click to purchase Beyond the Wall of Resistance

And to access the free Podcast and white paper simply click here.  

Warm regards,

Rick Maurer