E-Zine
Zürich, June, 2009

Book

Helping and Schein's New Leadership Competencies
Recently I was excited to meet organization development pioneer Edgar Schein at the Trias Kongress 2009: Leadership & Transformation (Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, Rüschlikon/Zurich, Switzerland, May 14-16).

I first read Schein's Process Consultation, Volume II: Lessons for Managers and Consultants (Addison Wesley Publishing, 1987) in the early 1990's. It was the core text book for a change agent program in which I participated while on the HR staff at GM Europe. Schein's process world opened my eyes to issues below the surface with individuals and groups.

As the "kick-off" key note presenter at the conference Schein opened his talk with a slide entitled "What Else is Going On?" With that question he invited participants to be mindful of what is happening around them - especially in the midst of the omnipresent global financial crisis.

James Macsay and Edgar Schein at the Trias Kongress 2009

If you are interested in Schein's autobiography (click here for the official Ed Schein Website). Those of you familiar with Schein's autobiography may know that he has long talked about helping clients. His new book, Helping: How to Offer, Give and Receive Help, underscores this theme yet again.

During his presentation Schein referenced various themes from the new book and shared stories to illustrate the notion of helping. He summarized with a slide showing what he called new leadership competencies

Competencies:

  • Cultural intelligence and competence
  • Interpersonal competence
  • Emotional competence
  • Ability to give and receive help
Schein also referenced technological complexity, IT advances, globalization of work and social responsibility as aspects changing the context and form of organization development. Overall, Schein encouraged Kongress participants to embrace the leadership competencies referenced above, to be helpful and to take action to show real commitment to organizational change efforts.


A Continued Relationship with Right Management Consultants
With the relocation to Switzerland, I am continuing to work as a Senior Consultant with Right Management. I am currently providing organization consulting and coaching services for select clients in the areas of Attract & Assess, Develop, Engage & Align and Transition. I previously worked with Right as an external consultant for their Great Lakes Regional office for six years.

With offices in Zürich, Basel, Geneva and other major cities in Europe, Right Management offers key resources for international organizations. Right's global corporate headquarters is based in Philadelphia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manpower.


International Business Software Managers Association(IBSMA)
Zürich Networking Group
Would you benefit from connecting with other IT professionals, sharing best practices and increasing your knowledge and network? Then come join us. A Switzerland-based networking group is being formed for professionals who manage business-application software. Join software asset managers (SAM) and Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM) community members for networking and to share experiences. Drop in for discussion with our facilitated sessions. A session is being planned for this April in Zürich.


Radio Free Bacon (RFB):
RFB is preparing for its third season at the Zingerman's Roadhouse with live broadcasts on Ann Arbor's 107 One FM. As the show's co-creator and executive producer for the past seasons, I can tell you that it is an exciting experience that embraces creativity, great music, conversation and community. I am supporting Rob Reinhart, Peter Carey and Terry Farmer, who are now taking lead on the show's main production and operations. Check out www.radiofreebacon.com or contact Rob for further details on sponsorship, interview segments, etc. (734) 761-2043.

Feel free to contact me regarding any of the activities above.

Take care,
James 011 41 76 434 0861

Please visit my previous E-Zine columns from August 2006, June 2005, July 2004, May 2003, June 2002, August 2001, March 2000 and August 1999.

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