Call to Action: Request for Participation in Forthcoming Research

LeadershipChangeStrategy

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Blake Leath

As I listen to and exchange ideas with contemporary leaders on the front lines of today's economic battlefield, I am encountering a troubling theme. 

It revolves around a notion I wrote about several weeks ago... the 'treading water' phenomenon. 

So many leaders are 'waiting to see' what the new world of work will look like... that the 'see' is being thwarted and delayed!  It is a vicious, self-fulfilling cycle not unlike the 'prior experience required to be hired' dilemma we all faced as we exited school. 

To provide answers/clarity/solutions for clients and colleagues, we intend -- in the coming weeks -- to embark on a new Research Project. 

Here's where you come in.  We are in dire need of your help. 

We are in the early, embryonic stage of crafting, honing, and refining the Research Question itself.  Currently, it messily goes something like this:  

"What are the most burning Issues or Questions leaders need Answered for the burgeoning 'new world of work' and the 'to-be-determined' new 'social contract' between Employees and Employers to manifest?"

In simpler terms, "What the heck do employees need or expect from their 'bosses' in order to engage, thrive, re-commit?"  Or, "In our unstable environment, what can leaders and organizations realistically do to gain focus and performance from employees?"

But now I'm starting to put words in your mouth.  Here's the 'call to action;' the specific Ask and How You Can Help:

Please email us a stronger Research Question or whatever Issues or Questions you would like to better understand to more effectively lead your people in the 2009-2011 timeframe.  As our economy ebbs, flows, and ultimately reshapes itself, what burning Answers do you require?  What do you wish to understand?  Have a better handle on?  Need in order to more effectively lead your people?

Based on your responses, "TBLG" (The Blake Leath Group) will refine the fundamental research question with the most value to the most leaders -- and launch a research project that we hope will provide CONTEMPORARY (not re-hashed) tools, frameworks, or answers to serve you through this volatile season of ambiguity.

We are searching for both new wine and new wineskins and hope to make a statistically-oriented contribution that is equally scholarly and pragmatic in nature. 

Step 2 will be to ask you to recommend 5-10 leaders to participate in a subsequent Survey/Assessment/Questionnaire to be predicated on the final Research Question.

We anticipate a broad Umbrella Topic and various Sub-Topics, and TBLG will publish its findings in ways to be identified in coming weeks.

 

Thank you, in advance, for your responses.  Please email them directly to bleath@blakeleath.com.