A Return to the Rosetta Stone of Change

Right now, we are spending so much time in planning mode to create an organization that will be nimble, flexible and agile in the midst of COVID-19. We want continued quality in products and services. We want our staff to be empowered, and we want all leaders to act in a principle-centered manner.

However, we rarely ask the questions, “What if it all works?” I know we ask the question regularly about “What if this all does not work?”. We explore worst case scenarios but we rarely think about best case scenarios right now. When we answer the question, “What if it all works?”, we need to remember the old Haitian adage, “After mountains will be more mountains.” Successful implementation of a plan does not lead to the absence of problems. It merely leads to new problems. 

I continually stress to leaders that the “Rosetta Stone” of successful implementation of a plan is not about events, but about people, acting and living with integrity, confidence, and commitment. It is about partnership and courage. It is about clarity and action being in alignment. 

The “Rosetta Stone” also reminds us that effective change is never the return to a former condition, but the drawing of a larger and more inclusive circle where all involved feel respected. Then all involved understand and want to be a part of what is happening. 

Finally, the “Rosetta Stone” of change reminds us that quality, empowerment, and principle-centered leadership are all a part of people making a difference in our communities, our society, and our world. And given current events, we need everyone to make a difference in their own way at work and at home.

This week, ask yourself and your team, “What if it all works?” Then, focus on progress over perfection, recognizing that new problems will arise and this will always be part of the on-going journey.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Discover the “Rosetta Stone” of Change

In 1799, during the Napoleonic occupation of Egypt, a Frenchman discovered the Rosetta Stone near Alexandria. The Rosetta Stone commemorated the ascension of Ptolemy V to the Egyptian throne in three writing systems: Greek, cursive Egyptian, and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. 

Subsequent study of these inscriptions lead European scholars to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics for the first time, thus providing access to a much broader view of history through the translation of ancient Egyptian texts. The Rosetta Stone facilitated the understanding of the ancient Egyptians’ unique world view previously obscured from modern explanation. 

Many people in leadership positions right now know their organization needs to become more nimble, flexible and agile doing the next two years. They recognize the importance of shared values, clarity of strategic intent, and the importance of building a high degree of trust and collaboration within and between teams. 

However, they are struggling to figure out how to create this depth of clarity and action throughout their organizations such that it is sustainable, i.e. a flywheel for positive focus and momentum through the current and emerging challenges. In short, they feel like they are trying to read ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics without the a Rosetta Stone.

When I listen to a diverse number of people in leadership positions share and explore what they are doing that is working and what they are doing that is not working, it has become clear to me that we must decipher three key concepts this winter, namely quality, empowerment and principle-centered leadership.  We must create a new level of understanding and rediscover the common threads that unite these key concepts. In short, we need to discover a “Rosetta Stone” of change for this new decade.

This week, I encourage you to sit down and reflect about what you know to be true about quality, empowerment and principle-centered leadership. Then, over the coming weeks, we can bring my thoughts and your thoughts together into a greater whole.

Happy New Year!

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257