The Art of Change with Jeff DeGraff

Have you ever felt like leading change is more confusing than it should be? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Jeff DeGraff to discuss the complex art of change. Jeff shares why traditional change efforts often stall and how paradoxes can serve as a source of innovation and energy. Together, Kevin and Jeff discuss ideas such as launching change from the edges of an organization, the distinction between science and art in managing transformation, and why experiences, rather than facts, are what truly shift people’s perspectives. They also discuss the "paradoxical mindset challenge" and offer practical tools for navigating change more effectively. Listen For 00:00 Introduction: The Art of Change 00:56 Welcome to the Remarkable Leadership Podcast 02:10 Introducing Dr. Jeff DeGraff 03:18 Jeff’s Journey from Pizza to Paradoxes 04:53 Why This Book? The Frustration Behind It 06:14 Leading Change from the Edges, Not the Center 08:09 Art vs Science in Change 10:39 The Power of Paradox in Driving Change 13:15 Facilitating Change Through Constructive Conflict 16:25 The Paradoxical Mindset Challenge 20:32 Exploring a Favorite Paradox: Facts Don’t Change Minds 24:42 Failure as a Prerequisite to Learning 26:34 Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic 29:35 You Can’t Change Others Until You Change Yourself 30:49 What Jeff Does for Fun 32:32 What Jeff is Reading 33:17 Where to Connect with Jeff DeGraff 34:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Jeff's Story: Jeff DeGraff is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and the co-author with Staney DeGraff of The Art of Change: Transforming Paradoxes into Breakthroughs. He founded Innovatrium, an innovation consulting firm that focuses on creating an innovation culture, capability, and community. The firm offers three types of coaching services: Executive Coaching, Innovation Project Coaching, and Personal Development Coaching. Known as the “Dean of Innovation,” he has spent four decades helping organizations—from Fortune 500 companies to the U.S. military—lead change from the edges, not the center This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader’s guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos. Book Recommendations The Art of Change: Transforming Paradoxes into Breakthroughs by Jeff DeGraff Staney DeGraff Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: An Extraordinary New Journey Through History's Greatest Treasures by Bettany Hughes A Shot to Save the World: The Inside Story of the Life-or-Death Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine by Gregory Zuckerman Like this? Leading Change Intelligently with Barbara Trautlein Flux: How to Thrive in Times of Change with April Rinne Becoming a Change Maker with Alex Budak Creating Meaningful Change with Mike Morrison Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we’d be thrilled if you’d let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here’s a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP