In today's marketplace and workplace, regardless of where you may be playing, we're all learning similar lessons. We need to beflexible,adaptable, willing,able, andagileto ensure a place out in front in an turbulent, ever-changing world. We're also learning that an essential skill goes with those qualities: Becoming a master of buildingCOMMUNITYwherever you land --- being remarkable at moving in and out and through communities in ways that are authentic, making meaningful connections with people and organizations that may be totally different than you are.
Recently, I've read a number of articles on "building community" and they all seem to make things seem quite complicated --- like it's hard to do.
In contrast...once in a while, someone comes along --- sometimes it is someone we don't expect to learn from --- who shows us, by their example, in just a minute or two, the basics of all we need to know.
This little guy in "penguin suit" did just that... 4 TIPS from an UNEXPECTED TEACHERWATCH!
Move with speed and agility to stay out front.
When you land in a new place, act like you belong.
Be friendly to everyone you meet.
Feel the love come back at you.
What would you add?
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy Contributing author Greater IBM Connection Blog
If we traced the path of GREAT IDEAS in the finest of organizations, we would probably all be astounded at the rate at which NEW THINKING is unintentionally squelched, squashed, smashed, stifled, smothered, misunderstood, ridiculed or just ignored.
Ever had this experience? Ever felt like this woman looks?
This is what I wrote in an article a few years back. Around the same time, I was invited to speak at an ONLINE leadership forum with a focus on How to Get Buy-In for New Ideas. Over 550 leaders and innovators showed up to explore this topic, representing twenty countries. They came from major companies from every industry, as well as entrepreneurs, government, military, education, health care, and community organizations. I discovered the group was a cross section of CEOs and senior leaders, managers of every type, as well as educators, business owners, ministers, and consultants. Imagine all this diverse talent coming together, peer to peer, meeting on common ground, because they were brimming with NEW IDEAS to bring to their respective organizations. Following the online session, I conducted some follow-on dialogues. Three key themes were identified as BIG BARRIERS standing the the way of introducing the participants' NEW IDEAS:
Culture isn’t open to new ideas. Resistance to change. There is a lack of interest in change and innovation. Everyone sees the need; no one wants to take the risk. New approaches aren’t welcomed.
Gender, race, and age still play a role in acceptance of new ideas in our organization. If you think differently or ask too many questions, it leads to losing the respect of senior leaders.
Senior leaders/managers take ideas and present them as their own. The focus from our leaders is on execution of strategy; they’ve forgotten people are leading it for them. It would be great if they showed more interest in what people have to say.
This begs a question... What are the chances that you or other leaders in your organization might be leaving similar impressions about sharing NEW IDEAS? No one would purposely want to have members of their teams or constituents thinking this way. But perception is everything and this kind of breakdown in communication isn't uncommon. It erodes trust and impacts all organizations ability to put differences to work to generate new thinking, creativity, and INNOVATION. At this time in our history, we can't afford it. Too much is at stake.
A CONTINUING SAGA What is alarming is that this reality doesn't seem to change --- at least in the perception of many of those with the GREAT IDEAS. I remember these same barriers coming up now and then throughout my career too. Last week, I partnered up with futurist and filmmaker Joel Barker to teach a professional development class on this topic. It focused on examining resistance to change, providing detailed guidelines, examples, and a step-by-step process that demonstrates how to get ideas accepted. Interestingly, we again discovered a similar result in a poll we took. A new issue did surface --- 23% identified "information overload--breaking through the noise as a major barrier. However, a whopping 84% brought up issues similar to those noted above as standing in their way of introducing and seeding NEW IDEAS in their organizations.
Even before my time at IBM circa 1969, Thomas J. Watson, Jr., wrote in one of his well-known Management Briefings:"There's an old saying that when you talk --- you teach, when you listen --- you learn. There are a lot of ideas worth listening to in this company. Let's be sure we're paying attention --- we are never so rich in ideas that we can afford not to..." It should be noted that this quote was preceded by him sharing a personal leadership story where he hadn't listened to an employee's idea to solve a critical business problem. "...Because I was frustrated and tired, I gave [the employee] a short interview and a non-sympathetic rebuff. ...Later that evening, I began to worry about the area which he had pointed out, and by morning, I realized that at least constructive and appropriate attention to his idea was the minimum he should expect from me."Hmmm...Big leadership at work!
What about YOU?
For those of you who never have this kind of experience... What best practice can you share to help others who do?
I look forward to listening your points of view...
Founder, President & CEO Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies author, Putting Our Differences to Work The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco Twitter:@debbekennedy @onlinedialogues
I suppose one of the highlights of working for IBM for twenty years + was learning how important it was to THINK. From my first moments, THINKing was an important part of any task or assignment. The word THINK was on notebooks, signs, and painted on walls. Looking back, it seemed that it was a kind of tap-tap-tap indoctrination into the founder's passionate belief in the power of THINKing. Taken to heart, it was far from the misconception that IBM was a place for conformity. It inspired something bold and independent to come to life inside. Admittedly, I have been forever grateful for the many opportunities I was given to develop this powerful skill in a vast array of wonderful jobs, working with the best in people, and leaders that believed in me.
Over the years, I've collected wisdom here and there from IBM's founder, Thomas J. Watson, Sr. I have always admired his candid way of speaking, giving us a personal moment of truth with each bit of wisdom. Here are a few timeless favorites...
“Follow the path of the unsafe independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of 'crackpot'' than the stigma of conformity.”
"All the problems of the world could be settled easily if [we] were only willing to THINK. The trouble is that [we] very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think."
“If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.”
“Really big people are, above everything else, courteous, considerate and generous - not just to some people in some circumstances - but to everyone all the time.”
On my very first day working for IBM in my first career, there was a nameplate on my desk when I arrived. My name had been engraved on the front on a brass plaque. On the back there was quote. It has stayed with me and kept me striving to follow the unsafe path of the independent thinker.
"If all objections were considered, nothing would ever be tried."-- Unknown
Founder, President & CEO Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies author, Putting Our Differences to Work The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco Twitter: @debbekennedy @onlinedialogues
Catch the external webcast of NPUC 2009 (New Paradigms in Using Computers) from IBM’s Almaden Research Center, tomorrow, starting at 12 noon Eastern, on the GBS New Intelligence Video Studio
JOIN US AND FIND OUT! On Thursday, JUNE 18, IBMers past and present will be gathering from regions around the world to explore the topic of LEADERSHIP and DIVERSITY in a CHANGING ECONOMY. The first hour will include a personal, up-close conversation with Ron Glover, IBM Vice President of Diversity & Workforce Programs. We've been inviting GIBMers to offer questions as they've registered, so we are able to weave key themes into our dialogue with Ron to explore issues that are real and relevant to all of us.
WHO's JOINING US? So far, we know it's going to be a remarkable, diverse group of innovators and leaders from across the world --- GIBMers and current IBMers that have registered from many different business vantage points, describing themselves in roles such as...
business analyst - communications manager - consultant -contract administrator - customer service - director -entrepreneur - program manager - executive assistant - sales executive - manager - web production lead - HR manager - IT analyst - IT architect - IT professional - IT specialist - Internet manager - project manager - president - founder - co-founder - owner - principal - global web production lead - program director - program manager - organizational change consultant - HR professional - IBM retiree - senior support manager - assistant vice president - senior support representative - marketing communications consultant - and other interesting roles...
What we have learned from Greater IBM ONLINE Events is that it is our DIFFERENCES that make for an interesting conversation --- and every time, we affirm that "something special" we all seem to have in common --- a little of BIG BLUE in the DNA that always seems to come out in the process.
THE INSPIRATION for GATHERING: It came from Sam Palmisano's bold vision of "A SMARTER PLANET: The Next Leadership Agenda" which he shared in his address to the Council on Foreign Relations in NYC. "...a period of discontinuity is, for those with courage and vision, a period of opportunity." He defined current realities for leaders and innovators, painting a vivid picture of a SMARTER PLANET. We plan to explore what we all need to do to be one of those leaders that will "change the game."
This special ONLINE EVENT is sponsored by the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership(GIBM WIN-L) for IBMers past and present in partnership with the Greater IBM Connection team. As a Greater IBMer myself, I'm honored to be participating and to be partnering to host the event at our Global Dialogue Center.
One of the most interesting and rewarding jobs I had when I worked for IBM was Global Marketing Manager for Women Owned Businesses. I had the opportunity to build relationships with women’s associations around the world and to meet many dynamic and passionate women who dared to venture out on their own and make a difference – not only in their own lives but in lives that their businesses touched.
If history is any guide, the current economic crisis will provide entrepreneurs new opportunities while others decide to retreat and call it a day. Let's remember, it was during the economic downturn in the 1970's when an ambitious little venture called Microsoft got its start. Clearly, what we knew and things we thought we could count on yesterday have changed. And from this environment of uncertainty, one key to our recovery and towards building a smarter planet will be to nurture entrepreneurship and innovative thinking so that new leaders of change can emerge.
Having recently caught the entrepreneurial bug myself, I was pleased to learn that this week (Nov. 17th – 23rd), the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week is being held in 56 countries around the world.Not surprisingly, IBM is one of the global sponsors…and it’s even hosting a webcast with a panel of women business owners to show how women are taking a leadership role in bringing innovation to the marketplace.
The purpose of this week is to engage young people around the world to encourage them to pursue entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities through activities and with the support of entrepreneurs, government officials, non-profit leaders and educators.
I believe everything happens for a reason, so I know my IBM experience with women owned businesses was probably one of the catalysts that inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and embark on an entrepreneurial venture of my own – producing an independent documentary film.
As IBM leads the charge to create a smarter planet today, its support of initiatives like Global Entrepreneurship Week is also helping to foster the environment needed to nurture young people to become the next generation of innovators we’ll need to build an even smarter planet tomorrow.
So what can you do to help foster a positive entrepreneurial spirit in the young people around you?Think about it – because the quality of our future will likely depend on it.
I see it clearly. Vision. Courage. Always thinking an idea ahead. This was one of the first lessons I learned at IBM many years ago. It was taught to us, refined, honed, renewed, revitalized and called upon through periods of change, big and small --- a second-nature for an IBMer. This is how I recall it. Do you?
As the current economic crisis began to unfold in October 2008, I wrote about this quality of "thinking an idea ahead" in a blog post, ECONOMY: The Next Great Opportunity-WHAT TO DO, telling the story of being introduced to the concept at "new employee orientation" at IBM. I told how this quality saved my business some years back and shared "what you can do" ideas. What I remember most about the story that has inspired me all these years was that thinking an idea ahead prepares you to be ready for that next great opportunity.
Last week, Sam Palmisano, IBM's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, took this deeply rooted quality of thinking an idea ahead to a whole new level for the twenty-first century, when he invited all of us and the entire world, into a new bold vision of "A SMARTER PLANET: The Next Leadership Agenda" in his address to the Council on Foreign Relations in NYC on November 6. "...a period of discontinuity is, for those with courage and vision, a period of opportunity."
He defined current realities for leaders: "Our political leaders aren't the only ones who've been handed a mandate for change. Leaders of businesses and institutions everywhere confront a unique opportunity to transform the way the world works."
He painted a vivid picture of a SMARTER PLANET: One that instrumented, interconnected and intelligent with abundantly available, low cost technology solving our most pressing problems around the world. The inspiring examples prove that the time for change has truly come!
He called for new leadership qualities: "There is much serious work ahead of us, as leaders and as citizens," he told us. "Together, we have to consciously infuse intelligence into our decision-making and management systems...not just infuse our processes with more speed and capacity. ...I believe we will see new leaders emerge who win not by surviving the storm, but by changing the game."
Wow!There is something about GATHERING that matters. People like it, especially when it is genuine. It was especially meaningful today when Greater IBM women (and men) came together to put the spotlight on "learning from each other's role models". The event was sponsored by the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership (GIBM WIN-L) and was held online at my company's Global Dialogue Center CONFERENCE CENTER.
Personally, I am still coming down from the quite remarkable experience. We've not added up all the numbers and details, but we know Greater IBMers showed up from around the world and by all the personal reflections shared at the event, we had an exceptional time together. If you attended, chime in! :-)
Amparo Moraleda, IBM President of Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel, and Turkey was a "bright light" for us all. She sat with us in our "virtual living room" for the first hour and answered our many questions about her leadership journey, her life and work demands, and offered many powerful ideas for us to take away as a personal gift. People called it "intimate" "personal" and "close". She is a remarkable role model for us all. We can't wait to share a summary of what we learned from her experience and wisdom.
We also shared our own stories about our role models and other leadership insights--- and seemed to discover how much we have in common. It meant a lot to have men demonstrate their support and interest in women's leadership by showing up. Enrique from Argentina shared openly how much he learned from Amparo and having a chance to learn from women's perspectives. We learned from him too. All the way around we mentored each other across differences, distance, generations, and cultures.
To top it off, I had the honors of planning, co-hosting, and producing the event with five remarkable GIBMers: Nuria Carretero (Spain), Cécile Demailly (France), Linda Griffin (Virginia-US), Gagan Rudra (Canada), and Shara Sokol (New York). We all met each other at the Greater IBM Connection --- we've never physically met, but our months of virtual collaboration across the world has in itself been a great JOY!
A very special feature was having Nancy Marguiles, well known as the "godmother of graphic recording" join us to do real-time illustration of all we were hearing and learning together. Her unique artistry was a big hit at our first event and by popular demand, she generously showed up to support this "BIG DREAM" that emerged from GIBM women worldwide.
I would have to say it was truly a "peak experience" to connect with others in such a genuine way. I loved standing on the summit together to see the view of what we accomplished in a short time.
A favorite POEM below came to me when we said good-bye...
"You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again...So why bother in the first place? Just this: what is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above.
One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer but one has seen. There is an art to conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know." --- Rene Daumal, Mount Analogue
TO DO's...
If you attended, tell us about your experience!
If you didn't, tell us how much you wish you had :-)
UPCOMING Greater IBM Online Event Women's Global Leadership Gathering "Learning from Each Other's Role Models" THURS, October 23, 2008 - 9:30 am-11:30 am ETKeynote executive interview... Amparo Moraleda IBM President of Spain and Portugal. Learn more below...
The need for leadership seems to be calling out to us from many directions. Over the years, I've learned so much from other leader's journeys and from the wisdom they have generously shared. Haven't you?
On Thursday, October 23, the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership (GIBM WIN-L) is sponsoring a very special online event, creating an opportunity for a broad conversation centered around learning from each other's leadership role models from around the world around the world.
The dialogue will be seeded by a keynote leadership interview with Amparo Moraleda, IBM President of Spain and Portugal
Who's Coming??? Well, it is still early, but so far we have Greater IBMers, current and former that have added their names to the list from twenty countries spanning every region of the world. Imagine the leadership lessons that will be shared across cultures!
Getting Ready to Share with Others It has been very exciting to think about what we will learn from Amparo's story and her unique leadership journey. The process has also given me flashbacks of my own: Early in my IBM leadership career women role models were few and far between. One woman who helped me truly understand my power as a leader is Frances Hesselbein, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management). Initially, I only knew her through videos and books. However, through a series a unexpected twists and turns, I ended up meeting her and learning from her. She taught me three enduring leadership lessons:
1.Leaders, at their best, are unpretentious, warm, and friendly to everybody. The ability to connect with others; to nuture; to encourage; to be real enhances your leadership influence. 2.Every person is important. Great leaders put a high value on each and every person that makes the team operate. 3.Being accessible and ready to help is an exceptional leadership quality. The first time I talked personally with Frances, I called at her office in New York and got right through to her. She made me feel welcomed and talked with me as if I was surely her most important caller that day.
Do you have a leadership role model? Do you have a leadership lesson to share?
Join us on October 23 to share your story! ...or tell your story here and we'll share it at the gathering!
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy Contributing Author Greater IBM Connection Founder, President & CEO Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies
I see it clearly. Vision. Courage. Always thinking an idea ahead. This was one of the first lessons I learned at IBM many years ago. It was taught to us, refined, honed, renewed, revitalized and called upon through periods of change, big and small --- a second-nature for an IBMer. This is how I recall it. Do you?
Amparo Moraleda
The dialogue will be seeded by a keynote leadership interview with Amparo Moraleda, IBM President of Spain and Portugal 
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