Lead for a Change: Proven Strategies to Clarify Expectations, Foster Growth, and Achieve Breakthroughs

By Ronald S. Glickman

A leader’s guide for performing while transforming

With over thirty years’ experience as a senior executive, Dr. Ronald S. Glickman shares practical techniques to execute effective change initiatives, develop high-potential talent, and motivate teams to deliver breakthrough results on a global scale. A timely and important book for leaders at any stage in their career journey, Lead for a Change explains why the goal of change management is not happiness, but meeting and exceeding clear expectations. Well-defined expectations align diverse stakeholders on measurements for future performance and establish a foundation for individual and group accountability.

Glickman uses leadership theory, real-world examples, and action-learning exercises to explain three essential success factors:

• Change Management. Strategic change requires a clear destination, explicit expectations, and the ability to be flexible in identifying obstacles and correcting course.
• Experiential Learning. Leading change and realizing your potential is a process that can be learned through preparation, self-examination, and the willingness to grow from mistakes and successes.
• Employee Engagement. People make change happen; involving and supporting them in each phase of the change journey is vital.

​There are innumerable ways to lead. This approachable guide frames proven strategies as ingredients for leaders at any level to create context-specific recipes for spearheading change initiatives that deliver meaningful results and accomplish positive change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Release date: Jan 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781632996404

Book preview

PRAISE FOR LEAD FOR A CHANGE AND RON GLICKMAN

"As a female leader and CEO, I would highly recommend Lead for a Change by Dr. Ron Glickman. I found myself relating to many of the lessons learned, but more importantly I found thought-provoking ideas on how I can become a more effective communicator and authentic leader. This book is a must-read for any person looking to become a positive disruptor in their field and differentiate themselves from their peers. You will find throughout his writing new ideas, varying perspectives, and step-by-step tools on how to drive your team to achieve positive business outcomes."

—NICOLE MCMACKIN,

CEO, Irvine Technology Corporation

"Being in senior management roles within Information Technology for over 30 years, I didn’t think this ‘old dog’ could learn new tricks; however, Lead for a Change has provided me insight as to who I am as a leader and what I can do if I strive to evolve, and the tools to use to support my progression. Thank you, Dr. Glickman, for sharing your insightful journey."

—TRACY ANGELINI,

Sr. Director, IT Services, Trader Joe’s Company

"Lead for a Change is going to help a lot of leaders build thriving teams. And thriving teams are happier, don’t need to work weekends, and enjoy economic prosperity. I wish I had this book early in my career as a leader. If I had these frameworks, I would have had the courage and the tools to have conversations that would have completely changed the trajectory of several of my team’s early outcomes, from minor improvements to breakthroughs. Thank you for writing this book, Ron!"

—J. SCOTT,

Founder, 120VC

Ron’s skills transcend the tech world and have made me a better actor/artist today. Doc has a way of steering you in the right direction while you remain in the driver’s seat. You walk away with a clear mind, the confidence to face your challenges, and only one question: How did he do that? Well . . . now we know!

—NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER,

Broadway actor and singer

"Ron leads by example. As his son, I was raised on the ‘business parables’ shared in Lead for a Change. Now, in my role as a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) driving change at retailers across the US, these lessons are shaping the way I engage with business leaders, peers, my own teams, and clients. What Ron taught me as a father and a leader has enabled me to successfully navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world with dexterity. I encourage anyone wanting to hone their ability to empower others, lead with empathy, and navigate change to read this book. It’s easy to read and a great tool if you’re new to your role or have years of experience."

—MAX HERSCHEL GLICKMAN,

Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

"I have had the pleasure of working for, and with, Dr. Ron Glickman for over two decades. Over this time, I have seen him as a father, husband, teacher, and business leader. In every arena his defining characteristic is ‘transformational leadership.’ Ron is systematic and purposeful when leading change. He has an innate ability to perceive a need for change and set in motion a process by creating a compelling vision and destination for the change. Dr. Glickman is an exceptional leader and educator. Amongst the many lessons he has taught me, the most important one has been ‘your success is rooted in your humanity and mastery of yourself.’"

—SUDARSAN THATTAI,

CIO, Lineage Logistics

What I most acknowledge about Ron’s ability to lead and impact meaningful change is two rare characteristics. First, it is always about how can his team reach the most optimal results and stretch themselves past self-imposed limits without anyone getting hurt in the process. It’s never about his personal glory; it is always about outcomes. This ignites the individual creativity to find the best pathways to the desired results . . . egos aside. The second is something I have found most leaders practice in words but fail in the follow-through. That is to be able to get people to say what is in their heads and hearts. The word ‘transparency’ is often used to a detriment as it is spoken, but then when people want it, it never comes. Not the case in his leadership, where it is real in both directions. Thus, he can be very candid and open with people as to what needs to be said, but also more powerful is his ability to listen to what he needs to hear without any regard to retribution to the person speaking.

—TONY DOTTINO,

President, Dottino Consulting Group;

Founder, USA Memory Championship

Ron is a leader who sets visionary goals, and then inspires others to join that mission. As Chairman of the Board of Directors for Camp Kesem, he continually encouraged our leadership team to expand our service reach, our offering, and our programs. Ron often saw the potential in the organization long before others did and was not afraid to dream big. His enthusiasm for our mission was contagious, and he was one of the most passionate ambassadors the organization had. Ron’s vision helped set the course for the organization to grow from serving 1,200 to over 10,000 children in our nine years of collaborating.

—JANE SACCARO,

Executive Coach;

CEO, Camp Kesem (2010–2019)

Dr. Glickman is one of the finest thought leaders I have worked with in the two decades of my academic career. I have collaborated with him on business case studies that are being used in several business schools across the world. I can promise readers that Dr. Glickman’s ideas on leadership in this book are not only creative and unconventional, but also can help sow seeds of leadership in the minds of readers. The ideas in this book are definitely worth learning for students of leadership, as well as practitioners at any stage of their career journey.

—DR. RANGANATHAN CHANDRASEKARAN,

Professor, University of Illinois Chicago

I have had the privilege to learn firsthand from Ron throughout my professional journey, starting as his student at Cal State LA to becoming part of his leadership team at Trader Joe’s. The content in this book is an accurate portrayal of the effective frameworks and narratives that Ron has shared with me on my journey. I am delighted that Ron has packaged up his experiences to share with emerging leaders because I truly believe that this will lead to many breakthrough ‘aha’ moments for readers.

—MARIA ESPINOZA,

Manager, Business Applications, Trader Joe’s Company

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing herein shall constitute legal advice or a solicitation to offer legal advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Published by River Grove Books

Austin, TX

www.rivergrovebooks.com

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Ronald S. Glickman

All rights reserved.

Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

Distributed by River Grove Books

Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group and Mimi Bark

Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group and Mimi Bark

Cover images used under license from ©Shutterstock.com/grate_art

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data is available.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-63299-639-8

Hardback ISBN: 978-1-63299-645-9

eBook ISBN: 978-1-63299-640-4

First Edition

For my family, friends, colleagues,

mentors, teachers, and students:

Thank you for the collaborative experiences

that fostered these lessons, and for your

encouragement to write them down.

For Rachel and Max:

Being your dad has been one of the most

rewarding learning experiences of my life.

Lead the change you want to see in the world.

For Suzanne:

There are no words to adequately describe my

devotion, gratitude, and love for you. Thank you

for always challenging and supporting me to be

the best possible version of myself.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: Happiness Is Not the Goal

CHAPTER 2: The Value of Well-Defined Expectations

CHAPTER 3: Authenticity Fuels Change Leadership

CHAPTER 4: Change Requires Change

CHAPTER 5: The Power of Purpose and Direction

CHAPTER 6: Outcomes Are Everything

CHAPTER 7: Possibilities Spawn Opportunities

CHAPTER 8: Talent Turns Opportunities into Realities

CHAPTER 9: We Is Better than Me

CHAPTER 10: Start Slow; Finish Strong

FINAL THOUGHTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

APPENDIX: Figures

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FOREWORD

Undoubtedly, 2020 will go down in history as a transitional period that changed the world forever. What is not yet clear is how the outcomes will change the way we work, learn, and live. Will the impacts of a lasting global pandemic drive society and business alike toward a new era of innovation and creativity, or will they reveal a loss of progress, productivity, and unity? The answer to this question may not be apparent for decades to come. The simple truth is that the answer will be dependent on a select few— the few around us that we describe as leaders. Their actions, their behaviors, and their motivations will be the key contributing factor in the way the final story is written.

I’ve known Dr. Ron Glickman for more than 20 years and had the great fortune of working under his direction in a global business that was rocked by the September 11 attacks on the US. The years we worked together represent some of the most challenging, inspirational, and rewarding moments of my career. Our experiences shaped the foundation of a leadership philosophy that I practice every day at work, at home, and in my community. I am forever grateful to Dr. Glickman, the people we worked with, and the experiences that sparked my aspiration to lead and develop leadership potential in others.

—RICK HAMILTON

General Manager, Blue Planet Software

INTRODUCTION

The ancient Greek philosopher