Not A Self-Help At All -- It’s A Complete Detailed Manual to Managing Change

Conquer Change and Win

Author: Ralph Masengill, Jr.

Publisher:self-published, 2016

I’m writing this review on July 4^thfrom my southern “office” on the coast in South Carolina. I mention that because today I experienced “unexpected” change in my life immediately after I finished reading Ralph Masengill, Jr.’s book this morning. Heading to our car, my wife got something in her eye. She was experiencing considerable pain and we tried all the ‘home’ type treatments we knew of.  Three hours later we were in Emergency. Diagnosis was a scratched eye near her cornea.  After a tetanus shot, numbing drops, two prescriptions that needed filling right away, orders to see a local ophthalmologist in two days, and lots of time on the phone with our insurance provider, we finally returned to our party destination – me and my one-eyed (due to patch) wife. Thanks to Masengill’s book, I handled it all very well.

The author is indeed an expert in the field of change. His book is about “understanding change” and how it “makes you and others feel”. A formidable task, but he accomplishes it with honors. His introduction promises a lot and he delivers it.

The book is also full of great quotations beginning with Helen Keller’s “Security is mostly a superstition.” Here’s another, “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” (W. Edward Deming)

Early on he tells us about the 30 percent of the group we’re trying to change who will be “resisters” and flatly tells to ignore them. He gives some very detailed and very practical advice to some real problems – like how to deal with difficult people. 

He distinguishes between the ‘actual change’ and the “stress, anxiety, or fear (we) experience anticipating the coming change”.  A fascinating concept which he builds on.  There’s also a whole chapter on the importance of having the right attitude. Both positive and negative change is discussed, along with the different ways it impacts different people.

The book is sprinkled well with example from his own life, both personal and work-related. Fear is attacked vigorously, and he tells us that it does not go away on its own – it needs to be pursued aggressively at the highest level.

For the business manager, he provides some practical tips that are critical to being successful. For example, deadlines must be clear and unambiguous – give a person a time, not just a date. And he explains why that’s so important. He explains what “grey decisions” are and you need to know about that.  Failure to identify the real problem you are trying to solve will garner you irrelevant suggestions.

Two-thirds of the way through the book, the author focuses on the ins and outs of great negotiations. The lists of advice on how to ‘win’ are priceless and well worth the price you’ll pay to read the book.

The advice on any topic (and there are many of them) is top-notch.  For example, on team-building, “The best possible action in team building is to choose your own team members.”

There’s also a complete list of how organizations should introduce change using a change plan and how to make changes to a change plan. Fascinating material.

Many of us know about developing Vision Statements and Mission Statements (and yes, he’s got the order right).  But before you do either of those, Masengill says you need to develop your “Current Reality”.  That was new to me and it adds much to the Strategic Planning process I often use with my own clients.

Do I have anything against the book?  Just a couple of minor points.  First, his lists are way too long to be absorbed on first reading, but they’re also invaluable if one were actually implementing the processes they were intended to cover.  Secondly, some of his examples, especially his funny anecdotes, we’ve heard before, but one can easily forgive him as they serve his points extremely well.

This book is highly recommended for those who want to conquer and not just survive, but actually win, in a life experience full of unavoidable change.  That includes individuals, managers, and negotiators.

n Ken B. Godevenos, President, Accord Resolutions Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario, July 4, 2018, www.accordconsulting.com

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What Union-Management Negotiations Are Really Like and How To View the City of Toronto - CUPE 416 Negotiations

I love reading about labor relations in the media. The linked article is a good example. In it Daniel Dale reports that the City of Toronto has asked for a Provincial Conciliator to join its negotiations with CUPE Local 416 (numbered after the city's original area code). And CUPE maintains the Mayor wants a lockout. The Mayor says he wants an agreement.

Based on my 35 years of being involved in union-management negotiations, let me share with you what is really going on here.

Union negotiating committees are usually made up of one business agent representative from the union local business office -- usually a non-employee of the organization or company whose collective agreement is being negotiated.  The rest are employees who have likely negotiated years earlier that their wages and benefits are covered while they negotiate a collective agreement.  Now think of that for a moment.  Management is paying for a whole team of union members to sit across the table and negotiate against them.  Meanwhile, in critical situations, they have to arrange for back-fill for some of these positions, pay over-time, change schedules, etc.  And that often includes "union team's planning meetings".

Clearly, it is to the union negotiating team member's advantage to take their sweet time in negotiations.  Short days, many days, free meals, as long as some minimum progress can be said to be made.

Most collective agreements though have a clause that says all this paying for union time stops when either a conciliator or mediator joins the process.  I'm not sure of what this collective agreement says, but if it's like most, one can now see why management wants the conciliator there -- it is saving the taxpayers money and will do so until the an agreement is reached.  If the union wants to take their sweet time about things, they can, but they're now paying for all the union members' time.  At worse, the paying for meetings policy stops once there's a clearance to proceed to a strike or lockout.

It is true that once a conciliator gets involved, if either side feels that no progress is made, it can ask for a "no board" report which basically says "there is currently no hope of a settlement, so there's no point of appointing a board to hear and try to settle the matter -- the parties need to cool off and if necessary they can do it soon with a lockout or a strike."   So to get that report does not mean that either a strike or a lockout must occur, but it gives the parties those options should it be necessary to use one of them.

Unions like to think that they are the only ones that can exercise a decision to call for a conciliator and its not fair game if management does it.  But the reality is that what is good for the goose, is good for the gander.  I experienced that recently with one of my clients during negotiations -- we, management, called for conciliation after just a few meetings where we believed the union was dragging its feet and we stopped paying for union members' negotiating time.  They got royally riled.  But we stuck by our guns.  A strike followed (not a lockout) to pay us back,  And the union finally settled after four bitter months of being out while supervisors proved they could run the plant as well.  No gains to speak of were made as a result of the strike.   The next agreement after that was settled very quickly.  Management had set a precedent that it wasn't afraid to use again.

So now you know the rest of the story.  Yes, Mr. Ford, is trying to save my tax dollars, and if you live in Toronto, yours too.  Many other municipalities should take note.

Toronto News: Ford-CUPE war of words escalates - thestar.com

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Russia has a solution for Iran. It Won't Work.

The Russia ambassador to the UN is saying that "sanctions have been exhausted" both in regard to Iran and in regard to Syria. They want the U.S. and Europe to get involved in "negotiations" with Iran and Syria. Pursuing sanctions they say would be not at all helpful and possibly dangerous. Oh, oh, is that a threat or a warning or what?  Stay tuned.

But, wait, let's get something straight here -- if I'm reading this correctly the Russians want us to go from sanctions to negotiations. Sorry Mr. Putin and company, that's not the natural order of things. We tried negotiations and genteel persuasion but that didn't work. Now, the west is trying sanctions, and by the Russians' own admission, that won't work and certainly is not working these days.

What makes the Russians think negotiations will work when sanctions won't? Nothing. It's just plain stupidity to think that is the case. Yes, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar, but that's assuming the flies are dumb enough to get caught or even want to. Neither the Iranians nor the Syrians are dumb, nor do they care about being caught or stopped.

They want it their way, and they'll go to any extent to get it their way. After all, it's just a simple gamble. Will the West attack militarily or won't it? They're prepared to push as far as they need to, just to find out. And martyrdom looks good on any Muslim's resume. But they won't stop doing what they're doing -- not with sanctions or negotiations. They'll need to be stopped physically and forcibly. If they're going to be stopped at all.

What I'm not sure about is whether the West has the guts or the inclination. Certainly, for the next couple of years, they'll have the edge on the capability.  But tempus fugit for sure, so I don't know what they're waiting for.   Everyone agrees they do not want Iran to have nuclear weapons, because that would make the world a very dangerous place.   And they'll say that right up to the day Iran has nuclear weapons.  Go figure.

Alternatively, as far as Iran is concerned, Israel could go it alone. But once things start heading that way, you can be sure it won't be long before the others all come to the party (for lack of a more fitting word.)

I still believe things will unfold as the Creator intends them to.  All we mere mortals do is try to figure out His plan.  Our time might be better used to simply wait and see.  Here are the details of the Russian declaration.

In the meantime, I wouldn't trust the Russians at all in this.  The Russians are Cunning, the Russians are Cunning.

'UN sanctions on Iran have been ... JPost - Iranian Threat - News

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Israel Must Control Its Own Extremists Too

There are no doubt extremists on both sides. Israel has to control hers too. People are clearly frustrated and start being human, taking action and revenge into their own hands. Both sides are guilty of this. Even more reason why the parties need to state their "non-negotiables" clearly and without equivocation. Then we'll all know where things stand. Stop talking in riddles and with hidden meanings. Let your yea be yea and your no be no. Then fight for what you believe. Israel, you may have to do it alone. But if God is for you, who can be against you?

Mosque Set on Fire in Northern Israel - NYTimes.com

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Read Between the Lines on U.S. Defense Secretary's Warning to Israel

As you listen to various members of Obama's team, the message is getting out as to what his administration thinks. Earlier today I blogged on what Clinton said about Jerusalem and now it's the Defense Secretary giving some clear withdrawal of support signs.

Read between the lines on this one: Basically telling Israel that they're all alone and we can't help you. So, you better start negotiating. I know those are not the exact words, but awfully close. The impact is the same. Obama's America is getting cold feet and won't stay a strong friend or ally of Israel in the final analysis. (We didn't expect it to. It just can't -- not if it wants to stay as friendly as it has with the Islamic regimes.)

Let's hope America's people have a different perspective. The problem is that the people of America cannot do anything until 13 months from now. So, watch carefully, what happens between now and then. As the time gets closer to the election and the Arab world notices that Obama can't win it, they'll push for big gains prior to November 2012, and if they don't get cooperation, they strike out first, knowing that Obama will be easier on them than a Republican president.

This is not rocket science. But it requires rocket-style patience to watch it happen. Hold on. We're in for an exciting 13 months as Israel enters its new year. And all is under the caring watchful eye of God.

Panetta warns Israel getting increasingly isolated; urges peace talks to resume - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com:

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Here's P.A.'s Response to Latest Israeli Approach

As expected, right on cue, and maybe a little earlier, here is the Palestinian response to the latest offer by Netanyahu. What's really interesting is the last line of the article in the link. Take a look and then try to predict what the U.S. will do. With the current administration, it's anybody's guess.

PA: Israel-US plans to revive peace talks ... JPost - Middle East



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The Two Competing Plans Right Now (July 25 @ 3 p.m.)

Here's a good account of the two plans. Well written.

But here's the problem. The parties can't agree on the solution. What they need to do first is: "forget the numbers". Then they need to negotiate on the points of the package. For example:

A. Will there be a debt ceiling raise? (The answer is a definite and obvious 'yes'.)
A1. If so, how much? Negotiate that.
A2. Once we agree to A1, negotiate the timing or the number of stages.

B. Will there be spending cuts?
B1. If so, how much? Negotiate that.
B2. Once we agree to B1, then agree to when.

C. Will there revenue increases?
C1. Is so, how much? Negotiate that.
C2. Once we agree to C1, then agree to where and what programs?
C3. Once we agree to C2, then negotiate timing for each cut.

D. Nothing is agreed to until everything is agreed to.

This is all "basic negotiating 101". I can't believe these guys can't sit down and do that. They need either a facilitator or a mediator. There's lots of good ones around.

Just heard two minutes ago on CNN B.O. has okayed the Democrat approach. That won't fly. It may have to be dictated! Take a look.

Republicans, Democrats shop competing debt relief plans - The Globe and Mail

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Ball Slyly Thrust Into Israel's Court

Okay, the headline in the media reads, US waiting for Israeli response on negotiating framework. Fair enough, but let's take a closer look at what this means.

First of all we have a senior White House advisor telling Jewish leaders off the record that "if Israel accepts Obama's platform, Palestinians may be convinced to avoid September UN state bid." Of course, the emphasis throughout these comments are mine. There's no guarantee here. What if Israel does not accept (which it hasn't)? Will the U.S. then also support the Palestinian state bid at the UN? Will B.O. not use his veto? No one's really saying now.

Clearly the intent is to put pressure on Israel, shifting the onus almost entirely on them and making the P.A. look real good no matter what happens. The deliverer of the message is Steve Simon, senior National Security Council advisor on the Middle East. Simon supposedly said U.S. was "reasonably confident the Palestinians would abandon their effort to go to the UN" if Israel agreed to B.O.'s terms. How 'reasonable' is 'reasonably'? No one knows. But we do know the record of the Palestinians when it comes to peace negotiations.

Of interest to us is the fact that while the vote in the UN may not take place until September, the filing of such request is required in July. So time, as the authors of the article point out, is running out for finding an alternative. What's wrong with no alternative and B.O. delivering on his earlier intention to veto such a resolution? I like that much better. But no, now the U.S. is doing its famous double-speak.

And the plot thickens. Simon suggested the Palestinian camp is split and really don't want a "showdown" at the UN. Oh, wait, they may think the U.S. will indeed veto. Maybe they know something. So, let them have their showdown. If the U.S. vetoes -- great. If not, well, we need to come to that point eventually and September 2011 is as just as good a time as ever.

And why do I think this all stinks -- because an official spokesperson for the National Security Council said he can't comment because what Simon said was off the record. Well, at least Wikileaks folks won't get nailed for this one. But isn't it interesting how officials can leak and then claim 'no comment' but when the public succeeds in finding out the truth, all hell breaks loose?

I don't know about you, but from my perspective, reading between the lines tells me that the current U.S. administration is progressively becoming less trustworthy on any matter. But hey, you decide for yourself. Here's the link to the article.

US waiting for Israeli response o... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

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The Problem with a "One State" Solution in Middle East

With the help of the Palestine Papers more information comes to light about how the parties (P.A., Israel, and the U.S.) feel about a 'one-state' vs. a 'two-state' solution. The issue is presented thoroughly and clearly. The implications are significant for all.

The threat of a one-state solution - The Palestine Papers - Al Jazeera English

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Everyone Knows North Korea is Getting More Dangerous, But Can we Cut a Deal?

A very well-thought out article on the implications of the talks with North Korea and what is really needed. The question is can we do it? And will it be enough or will North Korea soon be able to attack Alaska and other parts of the U.S. and North America with its nuclear weapons?

Here's what I'm seeing -- danger is everywhere. Is anyone else noticing it? What lies ahead for mankind, us here in the West, and Christians all over the world? It's time to think it out carefully.

Kim Jong Il's Missiles - By Joel Wit | Foreign Policy

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