This is part 2 of an inverview with Kenneth Fields on the content and journey of writing his recently published book Visionaries, Builders & Maintainers. Part 1 focussed on gaining an understanding of each of the three people types and their role in making change happen. Part 2 develops this further and probes Kenneth for his purpose and future plans.

> Is there one of these personality types that is “undervalued” or “under-represented” in our society/culture?

I’m not sure about under-represented but Maintainers are definitely undervalued.  A majority of people are Maintainers and they are responsible for ‘making the world go ’round’ but Visionaries get most of the publicity.  If everyone was a Visionary or Builder, the world would fall to pieces!

> Which one are you?…Any idea on me?

I’m definitely a Builder.  I enjoy clarifying the vision, seeing it become reality, and turning it over to someone else to maintain!  You and I have collaborated for several years now and I believe you are clearly a Visionary.  You excel at ideas and ‘big picture thinking’.  Our different roles is one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed our work together. (more…)

I had the privilege of interviewing my friend Kenneth Fields regarding the content and journey of writing his recently published book Visionaries, Builders & Maintainers. If you’re a leader working with others to make change happen, this is for you. The interview will be published in 2 parts. This is part 1. (Remember, if you subscribe to my blog by email, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a copy of this book.)

> So tell me about the background of this book. Why did you decide to write it?

I observed that people were more or less successful in implementing changes and I went looking for the reasons why.  Once I came up with my hypothesis that people tended toward one of three change management personalities, I spent a few years testing it before publishing this book.  The main premise is based on an idea I’ve been refining since 2003!

> We’ve talked about the challenges along the way…What were the main ones for you?

I made several false starts trying to find the right way to communicate my ideas.  Once I settled on a parable to explain the concept, I had to find the time to write the book.  I have a ‘day job’ so my writing time was focused from 5 to 6 am 3 mornings per week.  Finally, I had no experience in the publishing world so working through that industry was an interesting challenge. (more…)

We all know that hoping for change, but continuing to do things the way we’ve always done them, doesn’t work. “Blue Jolts” are short but powerful tidbits intended to give your brain the necessary jolt to “jump the tracks,” challenge what you’re doing and find better ways to make great things happen. Enrich and “be enriched” by starting or joining a discussion below to exchange perspectives. 

“It is true that candid comments definitely freak people out at first….My bosses cautioned me about my candor. Now my GE career is over, and I’m telling you that it was my candor that helped make it work.” (Jack Welch)

1. Where do you fall on the “candor scale?”
2. Why not be completely candid about that situation that is on your mind? Consequences?….Short term? Long term?
3. What can you do to foster an “atmosphere of candor” in your organization?
4. Do we need to pay attention to “constructive candor” or does candor “stand on its own”?

Be jolted…