A Seat at the Table

Also, no more truth-telling squeamishness. If a problem exists, it exists whether we cop to it or not. Yet millions of business people, perhaps your colleagues, are withholding what is really going on from the very people who are central to their success. Instead, we must come out from behind ourselves, become confident in our conversations and make solutions real.

No shortcuts: Make a clear and compelling case for how what you are recommending will deliver a significant ROI and why it must be done right — no shortcuts. Take a stand, enroll your partners in the change that’s required, fight for what’s needed, and push back if necessary. If you’ve ever said something like, “They’re all busy, so we have to teach a two-day course in three hours,” that was you caving, not earning your place at the table. If it takes two days, it takes two days. Get to ground truths. What will actually work?

Sponsorship: Require high-level sponsorship. Leaders must model the beliefs, skills and behaviors you’ve identified as central to success, so if they need training too, insist on it.

Sustainability: Follow through by measuring the ROI from the outset of any learning initiatives you offer and provide a minimum 12-week sustainability plan post-event; this is a key to produce the greatest ROI for any learning endeavor.

All in this together: Operate as if your organization’s progress depends on your progress as an individual — because it does. The bar in our field is higher than it has ever been. Hold yourself able to meet this standard.