A Declaration of Independence from the present
July 4, 2010
Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence? It is as much an official document to the King of England as it is a case for change to the rest of the fledgling country it created. (Click the image to the right to read the full text.)
It’s a great model and anyone who would like to compel people to break away from the current state of things. Here are the key parts of the document:
Connection to values
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Acknowledgment that the status quo is easier
“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”
Reasons why the current state can’t be tolerated any further
“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
The bulk of the document lists a number of egregious offenses by the King, that anyone who valued freedom would find appalling.
Recognition that what we’re doing isn’t working
“In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.”
Clear vision of the future
“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.”
Statement of leadership resolve
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
If your organization wrote a Declaration of Independence from the present, what would it say?
Beyond Buy-in teleclass on Thursday, February 26
February 17, 2009
Join me for the next Enclaria teleclass:
Beyond Buy-in: Raise Leadership Support for Your Change Initiative
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Cost: Free
Leadership support for change is known universally as one of the necessary ingredients for a successful transformation, and yet building support is one of the most common challenges facing a change agent.
No one can implement organizational change alone. No matter your position in the organization, in order to lead change you need to have key individuals not only agreeing with you, but also moving the initiative forward.
Whether you are just getting started or your quest for change is well underway, if you need the leadership of your organization to show more support for your initiative through words and actions, this teleclass is for you.
In this teleclass, we will cover the following topics:
- Learn whose support you need
- Understand different levels of support
- Specify what leadership attitudes and behaviors are needed
- Discover the available methods of influence
Introducing the new Beyond Buy-in Workbook!
February 11, 2009
In my quest to equip you to lead organizational change, one of my goals is to put together a comprehensive set of workbooks to help you implement the essential ingredients of change. I am excited to introduce the Beyond Buy-in Workbook, which takes you through five steps to raise leadership support for your change initiative. Find the details on the Publications page.
Whether you are just getting started or your quest for change is well underway, if you need the leadership of your organization to show more support for your initiative through words and actions, this workbook is for you.
Newsletter subscribers have already received the accompanying article entitled “Beyond Buy-in: Raise Leadership Support for Your Change Initiative,” which features five steps to gaining leadership support. The same exclusive article is also free for new subscribers. Sign up to read a preview of the Beyond Buy-in methodology.
Eight Fundamental Ingredients Of A Successful Change Initiative
August 20, 2008
Organizational change is a complicated endeavor. The forces at work that continue the status quo are formidable, but not impossible to overcome. Set yourself up for success by laying the foundation with these eight fundamentals. Read more
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