Exceptional 8
The Exceptional 8 are eight intangible attributes that distinguish exceptional change agents from those who simply follow frameworks. These qualities enable change agents to navigate complexity, build trust, and drive meaningful transformation.
Exceptional 8 vs traditional thinking
Two different assumptions about how change should work.
Lean Change
Exceptional change agents are defined by their adaptability, emotional intelligence, and ability to co-create change, not by the frameworks they follow. The Exceptional 8 highlight the human skills that enable trust, engagement, and resilience, leading to more meaningful, lasting change.
Traditional Change Management
A great change agent is someone who knows the right models, frameworks, and methodologies. Organizations seek change professionals with certifications in specific approaches, assuming that expertise in a method is the key to success, while undervaluing human skills like curiosity, resilience, and influence.
Too often, the value of a change agent is measured by [b]certifications and familiarity with frameworks[/b] rather than by the [b]qualities that truly drive change[/b]. While knowing methodologies and tools is useful, exceptional change agents are set apart by [b]intangibles[/b]—qualities that allow them to [b]adapt, e...
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Child Developments
Related child elements that expand this building block.
People high in agreeableness can put themselves last by focusing on the needs of others. People low in agreeableness tend to be more competitive and argumentative.
Congruence happens when we as change agents value ourselves, and others within a certain context.
When we say we value co-creation, we mean it and don't just say it for the sake of optics.
People high in openness tend to be unconventional, creative and abstract thinkers. People low in openness tend to be more traditional, conservative and practical.
Resourceful people have a giant bag of tricks to help solve any problem.
We understand that organizational systems are complex adaptive systems with many moving and interconnected parts.
Connections to the broader Lean Change ecosystem.
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