An innovative communication method for making change happen in any organization Getting Change Right presents a new view of leadership communication that says change doesn't flow top-down, bottom-up, or sideways, but inside-out.

List of Figures ix Foreword, by Bill George xi Introduction xv 1 Creating Rapid Widespread Engagement 1 Expert Input: Ken and Mary Gergen on Social Construction and Leading Change 9 Expert Input: Steve Denning on Operating Without Budget or Authority 26 2 Communicating So People Get It and Spread It 31 Expert Input: Rick Stone on the Power of Story 43 3 Energizing Your Most Valuable Players 59 Expert Input: Jim Wolfensohn on Talking to Everyone 60 4 Understanding the Territory of Change 87 Expert Input: Madelyn Blair on Storylistening for Reconnaissance 92 5 Accelerating Change Through Performance Communities 107 Expert Input: Etienne Wenger on Communities of Practice 115 6 Generating Dramatic Surges in Progress 129 Expert Input: Lesley Shneier on the World Bank’s Knowledge Fairs 139 7 Breaking Through Logjams 155 Expert Input: Larry Forster on the Competency for Collaboration 172 8 WorkLifeSuccess in the Midst of Change 175 Expert Input: John Kotter on the Greatest Positive Impact 186 Appendix A:Sample Strategic Engagement Plan 195 Appendix B:JumpStart Storytelling 201 Notes 207 Acknowledgments 211 About the Author 213 Index 215

"A terrific book…a practical, hands-on guide for managers and organizations interested in making bold changes." — DAN PINK, author of A Whole New Mind and Drive Praise for Getting Change Right "What an exciting read! Every page explodes with cutting-edge ideas, practical advice, and the wisdom of experience. Today, so many speak about fear of our rapidly changing conditions. However, as Seth Kahan convincingly demonstrates, by harnessing the power of collaborative relationships, positive transformation is possible everywhere. And he shows us the way!" —KENNETH J. GERGEN, president, the Taos Institute and author, Relational Being "Organizations recognize the need for change and the relative speed and accuracy that is required for effective execution. The challenge is 'how' to do it. People are the secret ingredient and Seth Kahan clearly offers the path to get you there. This is a must-read 'NOW' for any leader or organization looking to make bold moves in order to stay competitive." —GEORGE A. CASTINEIRAS, senior vice president, Prudential Financial, Inc. "Break through the standard paraphernalia of most change programs—budgets, mandates, plans, PowerPoint, top-down directives, and roll-out. Getting Change Right reveals how big change happens fast by engaging with people and creating conversations that cascade through the organization, igniting widespread energy and enthusiasm." —STEPHEN DENNING, author, The Leader's Guide to Storytelling and The Secret Language of Leadership "In Getting Change Right, Seth Kahan provides practical advice supported by real-life examples that every leader can use to lead effective change. Seth emphasizes that people, their diverse viewpoints, and their relationships and connections are the real keys to successful change. All leaders transforming their industries and professions can benefit from keeping these important tenets in mind." —CHRIS MCENTEE, CEO, American Institute of Architects "Seth Kahan delivers that rare blend of wisdom and practicality in an engaging and entertaining read that is at once both blueprint and playbook. If Getting Change Right isn't in your arsenal, odds are you'll get change wrong." —MATTHEW E. MAY, author, In Pursuit of Elegance and The Elegant Solution For more information, please visit: www.gettingchangeright.com