Achieved Strategies

Laura Goodrich is the author of a business book being published by Berrett-Koehler in February, ” Seeing Red Cars—Driving Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization to a Positive Future.”  The book is based on the successful film by the same name and her newest film has just been released: “Shifting Years—Leverage the Power of Generations.”  Laura is an international expert in workplace dynamics and change, and is a radio, TV and program host.

Email Laura or tweet with her on Twitter or phone her: laura@onimpactproductions.com  /  (+1) 952-240-1516

What does it take to build a positive-outcomes mindset and drive success within an organization, and why is it important to do this NOW?

I spent 17 years working with leaders experiencing dynamic change within their organizations. This is the environment in which we now operate. I became aware of a recurring pattern:  People’s natural tendency is to focus on what they fear and are trying to avoid, and this tendency is more prevalent in times of dynamic change.  This unproductive and unconscious focus gets in the way of the things we desperately need to revive and thrive in the new year – productive meetings, meaningful conversations, innovation, and creativity.

There is a universal truth: You get more of whatever you focus on (whether positive OR negative). To turn our natural negative-thinking around it takes purposeful thoughts and actions pointed intentionally toward personal and professional wants. It takes time – often years – but it IS possible to reach critical mass in which the majority of employees adopt a positive-outcomes mindset which leads to breakthrough thinking and organizational success.

Think what it would be like when the majority of employees around you are actively engaged in focusing on actions to achieve desired outcomes. If you’re thinking, “What can I do to get people out of fear-based thinking?” “How can I influence positive outcomes in my own life and the lives of those who work with me?” I answered these questions in the last chapter of my book when I told the story of Robert, the leader of a large division of an advanced biomedical company. Robert lived and breathed positive outcomes. He modeled this mindset and it spread throughout his division. Here is an excerpt:

“Every interaction people had, from conversations to meetings to events, started the same way:

• This is our vision. This is what we want.
• What is your personal vision? (i.e., What do you want?)
• Where are you right now with your personal vision and what you want?
• What do you as an individual, and we as a team, need to do to move things toward what you want?

Every employee in Robert’s division, from custodian to executive, was viewed as  critical to its success and engaged in this process, articulating on a regular basis how they were contributing to the ultimate success of the organization. They each were encouraged to connect their personal job to the vision and values of the organization. Early on, if people said what they didn’t want, Robert would urge them to instead clarify what they did want.

Robert recognized that change would not happen overnight. He walked around the manufacturing facility talking to people, telling stories, asking them questions to identify their wants, and then holding them accountable. And he never forgot! Robert would ask, ‘How many conversations will you have in the next week?’ and then he would remember the number and follow up. He never forgot what he committed to, and he never forgot what they committed to. In the beginning, I think he probably annoyed some people, but his energy was hard to hate and the results impossible to dispute.”

It took three long years, but eventually the majority of Robert’s division operated with a positive-outcomes mindset. The division’s sales started increasing, issues with products were resolved, and improvements were made to processes. Enthusiasm among the workforce grew along with the positive outcomes.

Now I ask you:  If you were surrounded by colleagues engaged in these behaviors, how powerful would those forces be to you on a daily basis? It all starts with you. Start focusing on what you want and controlling your inner conversations and outward behaviors. Positive outcomes will result.

I wish you renewed energy and success in 2011. Start Seeing Red Cars!