Competitive Dynamics International London Ltd

Mission Directed Work Teams: Taking World Best Practice to the Front Line

Making Common Sense Common Practice

The Heart of Change' by John P Kotter (2002)

Published in Books by CDI London, November 3, 2009

A follow up to Kotter's book 'Leading Change' published in 1996, in which he proposed an eight step model for organisational change. 'The Heart of Change' cites real life examples to uncover the core problems faced by organisations, and the solutions they implemented as they progress through each of the eight steps of the model.
Interestingly Kotter's central finding is that successful change in organisations is reliant on changing the behaviour of people by 'speaking to their feelings', rather than convincing them with data and analysis. The latter approach may change their thinking, but the former makes them want to change their behaviour. A thought provoking book, and an indispensable guide for anyone leading or involved with organisational change.

Review by CDI Associate Adam Jones

[Link]

Full links to more information:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heart-Change-Real-Life-Stories-Organizations/dp/1578512549/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257265502&sr=1-1

Managing To Learn by John Shook

Published in Books by CDI London, May 22, 2009

The Mission Directed Work Team programme engages the minds of all Mini Business Team Members. It is important therefore for managers to have skills that will encourage the active participation of team members.

John Shook in his book, 'Managing to Learn' shows how the A3 process can be used by management to create a standard method for innovating, planning, problem-solving and building structures to create a broader and deeper thinking.

[Link]

Full links to more information:

http://www.lean.org/Bookstore/ProductDetails.cfm?SelectedProductID=246

Time To Think by Nancy Kline

Published in Books by JJ, April 30, 2008

“Today’s leader must prize the minds of people above all else” Nancy Kline  Nancy Kline has spent fifteen years developing the Thinking Environment, a model of human behaviour that dramatically improves the way people think, work and live.  Organisations that create Thinking Environments stimulate a level of thought that results in excellent ideas and solutions, creative action and happy people.     Whether you want to have more productive meetings, solve business problems, create bold strategies or build stronger relationships, this book offers you a new world of possibilities.  
Amazon link [Link]

Full links to more information:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-Listening-Ignite-Human/dp/0706377451/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209548208&sr=1-1

The Innovation Imperative in manufacturing. How the United States Can Restore Its Edge.

An interesting article highlighting innovation as a critical factor for driving business growth and competitiveness.

Re-purpose Before You Re-structure

What is your organisation's purpose? A clear and compelling purpose is vital for business success.

Respect Science, Particularly in a Crisis

In his article "Respect Science, Particularly in a Crisis", James Womack of the Lean Enterprise Institute reflects on how the actions of a small group of line managers at Toyota during the 1950 financial crisis contributed to Toyota's survival and ultimate success.

A Lean Marriage

A Lean Marriage by Annie Gregory Published in Works Management June 2008 edition There may be a tendency for people to use the terms "lean" and "Six Sigma" and even "lean Six Sigma" interchangeably.

Competitive Dynamics International Newsletter

Mission Directed Work Teams is being successfully implemented in many countries around the world.

Why Work Teams Don't Work!

By Vilis Ozols, MBA, CSPForeword:The focus of the material is towards the reasons that work teams don't succeed in many organizations, what circumstances often preclude having successful teams in organizations and what organizations can do to deal with the issues that contribute to dysfunctional teams.

The Heart of Change' by John P Kotter (2002)

A follow up to Kotter's book 'Leading Change' published in 1996, in which he proposed an eight step model for organisational change.

Managing To Learn by John Shook

The Mission Directed Work Team programme engages the minds of all Mini Business Team Members.

Time To Think by Nancy Kline

“Today’s leader must prize the minds of people above all else” Nancy Kline  Nancy Kline has spent fifteen years developing the Thinking Environment, a model of human behaviour that dramatically improves the way people think, work and live.

Leaders in 'Best Practice' use Mission Directed Work Teams

OnSite Insights arranges visits and tours to organisations that demonstrate Best Practice.

The Power of Purpose, Process, and People

The Power of Purpose, Process, and People is a free webinar, featuring Jim Womack Founder and Chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute.