Build a Transformation Mindset

I having been sharing my thoughts on developing a transformation mindset on LinkedIn for the last few months.

I am consolidating this writing in this newsletter, to make it easier to find.

See below for my long-list of articles thus far, to which I will be contributing more. They will also soon be available fully on my website.

Why

We are seeing that the only constant is change, and that the pace of strategy renewal and the demands for fundamental resets are increasing as a result.

??It is therefore a critical skill to have the ability to change, and to learn to love change. Without this ability, you and/or your organization will struggle to keep pace, and possibly be left behind and become less relevant.

Mindset

Your attitude and habitual thinking towards change is called your mindset towards change.

Mindset = "Your attitude and habitual thinking towards a topic"

??A transformation mindset, is a mindset in which you embrace the new and see opportunity instead of avoiding change and seeing only bears on the road.

Project success

??Multiple pieces of research and articles point to having a transformation mindset as a critical factor contributing towards project success.

In a future article, I will collect and share those literature references.

Since ~70% of projects (also read programs, portfolios or strategic initiatives) are NOT successful, and we want to contribute to making more projects successful, it is critical we also understand the role of mindset, and know how we can shape and use it to make a difference.

??To build a change-loving mindset, a good deal of self-reflection and self-awareness is critical, because your awareness, ability and willingness to lead strategic and transformation change, comes from within.

Articles on Transformation Mindset

For now, find below my current writings on the topic.

I still have much to learn about the topic myself, so please do see these insights as 'for discussion' and 'work-in-progress', so we can together refine these.

I look forward to your feedback, input and thoughts!

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make the change"

The articles:

Note: the numbering is by the order of appearance with the first one #34 in September 2023. All preceding articles (#1 to #33) can be found on my website. Articles have been organized in 7 headings starting with 0.

0. The basics

34a. Build a transformation mindset to lead change with high energy.

34b. Discover 5 transformation mindset factors

1. How you think about 'Giving Purpose'

42. Look at the depth of transformation to uncover its true spirit

44. Be crazy enough to think you can change the world. Then you will.

60. Embrace inconvenient truths to gain power

77. Motivate people for change by aligning values and mindset

82. Create a 'Project Intelligence Augmented Culture (PIAC)' for AI success

2. How you think about 'Giving Direction'

35. Project success is not an accident, it is a choice

41. There is no such thing as project failure, only projects results

45. Don't be too hopeful for the short-term, and doubtful for the long-term

51. Alternate between making and taking decisions

52. Don't get stuck in comfort, and avoid making bold decisions

53. Delay pay-off now, for a bigger sustainable results in the longer-term

55. Think as a network, not as an island

56. Regularly switch lenses to achieve strategic clarity

58. Define what is on-strategy MoSCoW style

59. Create productive discomfort to grow

67. Don't be stingy relying on a diverse set of perspectives

72. Learn to be empathetic to your customers, colleagues and employees

3. How you think about 'Being Organized & Getting Things Done'

38. Don't let procrastination be the enemy of your organization's progress

47. Stay ahead of the disruption ghost. See around corners.

50. See AI and technology as catalysts, not cures for transformational change

57. Lock-in strategy execution by using processes to create winning routines

62. Practice detached involvement to adapt your plans when called for

63. Choose the mental model to be successful in strategy execution

65. Leverage systems to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts

73. ABC - Always Be Closing your projects

74. Become lucky, to make your project successful

78. Time pressure? Busy? Work on your productivity mindset

79. Be productively patient, to get transformational results

4. How you think about 'Leading Yourself & Others'

36. Every failure in strategy (implementation) is a failure in leadership

37. Put aside your preconceived views and keep your mind open

43. Better look at what I do, rather than listen to what I say

46. Don't be an ostrich

48. Cherish yesterday. Enjoy today. Don't miss the future

49. Believe in your own power, and use it make a positive difference

54. Be humble in your ability to lead and deliver change

61. Take permission to initiate change

64. Be proactive and lean forward into the future

70. Change leader, change thyself

71. Don't fall into lazy agreement

75. Enjoy the rollercoaster of transformational change

80. Apply productive pressure to achieve new results

81. Use curiosity & intuition to integrate a range of experiences for new results

5. How you think about 'Reacting to Feedback & Pushback'

39. See ambiguity as an opportunity, rather than as a threat

66. Build resilience to maintain a healthy & high energy change workplace

74. Change is not comfortable. Choose how you carry your burden

6. How you think about 'Ensuring Continuation and Sustainability'

40. Sustain deep thinking to resolve your biggest problems

69. Think global, bring the outside-in and guide your team through the change

... more to come.

Thank you for your interest.

Tom