What's the Problem?
Thank you to our almost 1,500 Subscribers to Program Manager who are avidly following the Laws of Change. You are now ready for Law No. 3 What's the Problem?
"I open my speech with the image above as background, the audience is chatting noisily with the energy of youth but finally settles in anticipation as they stare at the stage. I wait allowing the silence to grow, the anticipation to rise, I take a breath, get in the zone and then we're off!"
I introduce myself, remind my audience of Laws No. 1 & 2 and get into my stride. Last week as I walked out on stage in Dublin to a test of nerve I launched in to the Laws of Change. In front of me in a packed auditorium were 100 students, Business was their chosen subject and I was there to introduce them to reality. How things get done, in Business, in the real world. From my side I was there to road test a concept in the Coliseum of public opinion.
All week I had pondered what to talk to them about and as I reviewed this, one of 5 Newsletters in which I share my experience, I thought hmmm, the Laws of Change, I will let them hear all 12, first.
No cameras allowed at this gig, that was the deal. I would reveal all and they would be primed for a career in Program Management should they so wish. In front of them stood 25 years of experience, a deadly sense of humour and passion for Change. In front of me sat the innate cockiness of youth, we know it all...
As Tommy Tuchal will learn, when faced with playing Germany at the Allianz Arena you have to silence the crowd early..
I silenced the crowd like Scholes at Anfield with an early rocket to the top corner. I walked out controlled a 30 yard Bellingham half volley and calmly announced there would be a Test. Silence spread like wildfire across the campus. They were spooked, audience on the backfoot, the Speaker, as they should be, in charge.
I had enrolled my timer, a young lad in the front row, he had the clock. The challenge was the 12 Laws of Change, gun to tape, in 45 minutes flat. A good but not brilliant 10K time for those who read my Interim Times.
I reminded them that Program Managers are the chosen people and in accordance with the Laws of Change (No. 1) you must first know thyself, what is your why, why are you doing this. many are called but few are chosen.
The calling of the Program Manager influences lives, thread carefully but carry a roll on white board in your armoury.
I then sent a long 40 yard daisy cutter back to Bellingham as we moved onto Law No. 2, Change thyself first. experience the pain first hand before you earn your spurs and are ready to lead.
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Then we reached Law No. 3, I stopped spun on a sixpence to face the crowd like Frank Worthington in his prime and roared
What's your Problem!
The audience by now fully engaged had to hold back the 3 Leinster front row lads at the back. Before I calmly informed them No REAL Program ever existed without a thorough detailed, quantified, road tested and clearly articulated Problem Statement.
Welcome to the Real World.
Best Regards,
Michael Ryan.
Dealer Account Manager - Consumer Automotive Lending Solutions | Credit Union Advocate | Empowering Client Partnerships & Driving Sales Excellence | US Army Veteran
4 个月Fantastic article Michael - keeping an audience - especially a young one - actively engaged and educated isn't easy. But if your presentation is anything like your writing, I'll bet it was a breeze!