Create Micro-moves for Organizational Change

Summary

In this talk, Jane Dutton introduces Karen Golden, a prominent researcher in organizational change and identity, who discusses the concept of 'micro moves' as a tool for positive leadership. Golden emphasizes the power of small, often unnoticed actions to foster meaningful change within organizations, using examples from education and healthcare to illustrate her points. She highlights the importance of being outward-facing and forward-looking to discover new possibilities for transformation and the role of these subtle actions in generating collective enthusiasm and momentum for change.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The importance of positive leadership and its impact on organizations was emphasized, with the session focusing on how to be a positive leader.
• 📚 The session was based on a book about positive leadership and aimed to build on the knowledge shared in previous sessions.
• 🙌 Attendees were encouraged to express gratitude and support for each other, highlighting the community aspect of positive leadership.
• 🎥 The use of live-streaming allowed for a wider audience to participate, showcasing the accessibility of positive leadership education.
• 🤝 Participants were invited to build high-quality connections with others they didn't know, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
• 🏢 The Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship was introduced as a hub for researchers, leaders, and students to engage in generative dialogue and knowledge creation.
• 🎓 Karen Golden Middle, a renowned researcher and professor, was introduced as the speaker, bringing her expertise in organizational change and identity.
• 📈 The high failure rate of change initiatives was discussed, emphasizing the need for new approaches to organizational change.
• 🔍 Micro moves were introduced as subtle, less disruptive actions that can lead to significant change within organizations.
• 🌐 The concept of facing outward and being forward-looking was highlighted as a key aspect of micro moves, encouraging leaders to explore new possibilities for change.
• 📚 The session concluded with a call to appreciate the power of micro moves to create macro impact and lasting change for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship?

The Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship focuses on promoting positive leadership and creating a vibrant, dynamic community at the intersection of researchers, leaders, and students. It serves as an engine for transformative knowledge creation and a reservoir of grounded hope, inspiration, and practical ideas for positive change in work and organizations.

How does the speaker, Jane Dutton, describe the concept of 'micro moves' in the context of organizational change?

Micro moves are small, often barely noticeable patterns of action and interaction that engage people meaningfully and respectfully for change. They are consequential in generating collective enthusiasm, energy, and momentum, building palpable hope, and fostering transformation within organizations.

What is the significance of the 'high-quality connection' exercise during the session?

The 'high-quality connection' exercise is designed to build meaningful relationships in a short period of time, demonstrating the impact of positive interactions and emphasizing the importance of human connection in creating a positive organizational environment.

What are some examples of micro moves in action mentioned in the transcript?

Examples of micro moves include first-grade students at Oakhurst Elementary School researching and recommending changes to make their community more accessible, and healthcare clinicians and administrators walking with patients to experience firsthand the difficulties of the care system, leading to the development of a collaborative care model.

How does the speaker, Karen Golden Biddle, connect her research and experience to the concept of micro moves?

Karen Golden Biddle's research and experience as a qualitative researcher and a Dean in a major university have led her to understand the significance of subtle and less disruptive actions in creating change. Her work emphasizes the importance of micro moves in fostering positive change within organizations, especially in dynamic and challenging environments.

What is the role of leaders in facilitating micro moves within an organization?

Leaders play a crucial role in facilitating micro moves by encouraging and supporting small actions and interactions that foster change. They should create an environment that promotes meaningful engagement, respect, and collaboration among members, and they should also be open to experimenting with new ideas and approaches to drive positive transformation.

How does the concept of 'discovery' relate to micro moves in organizational change?

Discovery in the context of micro moves is about generating new and meaningful possibilities for change. It involves being open to learning, exploring, and understanding the experiences and needs of others, which can lead to insights and actions that drive positive change within the organization.

What are the benefits of focusing on micro moves in organizational change?

Focusing on micro moves in organizational change can lead to more sustainable and positive transformations. It engages individuals meaningfully, respects their contributions, and builds collective enthusiasm and energy. This approach can also lead to a more adaptable and resilient organization that is better equipped to manage change effectively.

How does the example of the first-grade students' project at Oakhurst Elementary School illustrate the impact of micro moves?

The first-grade students' project illustrates the impact of micro moves by showing how a small group of individuals can make a significant difference in their community. Through their research, engagement with local experts, and firsthand experience, the students were able to identify areas for improvement and recommend changes that could make their community more accessible and inclusive.

What is the role of 'collaboration' in the context of micro moves and organizational change?

Collaboration is a key aspect of micro moves in organizational change. It involves working together across differences to transform possibilities for change into reality. By fostering a collaborative environment, organizations can leverage the diverse perspectives and skills of their members to drive positive change more effectively.

How can the experiences and insights gained from micro moves be adapted to other organizational contexts?

The experiences and insights gained from micro moves can be adapted to other organizational contexts by identifying the core elements that made the micro move effective, such as meaningful engagement, respect, and collaboration. These elements can then be applied to different situations, modified as needed, and used to foster positive change in new environments.