The Importance of Desktop Reading and Mindset Shifts in Leading Change

The Importance of Desktop Reading and Mindset Shifts in Leading Change

In today's digital age, where news consumption is primarily done through mobile devices, a new study suggests that people read news differently on phones compared to desktops. The research reveals that individuals pay better attention to news presented on desktops and spend less time on news story content when using smartphones or tablets. This finding highlights the importance of desktop reading for better comprehension and information retention. Personally, I also find reading on a desktop to be faster and more efficient compared to mobile devices, which are better suited for skimming through information rather than deep understanding.

While owning a mobile device can increase access to news, it doesn't necessarily increase attention to news. This insight is crucial as the rush to monetize mobile news delivery may inadvertently decrease its democratic value. It's essential to prioritize desktop reading as a means to ensure better engagement and understanding of news content.

In leading large-scale change within organizations, there is often a forgotten step that can significantly impact the success of the change initiative. Beyond assessing skills, it is equally important to consider the mindset shifts required to apply those skills effectively. Organizations can only improve their overall health by changing mindsets about how they should be run. This shift involves moving from a mindset of individual accountability to one of personal ownership and the positive impact one can have on others and the business as a whole.

To ensure successful execution of strategies, it is crucial to assess the skills required and the mindset shifts needed. Research shows that change programs that assess the necessary skills are six times more likely to succeed. The assessment process involves identifying the most critical skills for the performance aspirations, understanding the existing skills within the organization and the external dynamics, and determining how to close any skill gaps. This can be achieved through reskilling and upskilling the current workforce, hiring new talent, or relying on contractors and partnerships.

In addition to skill-set requirements, it is vital to understand the employee mindset shifts necessary for improved organizational health and performance. The majority of change program failures can be attributed to employee resistance to change and inappropriate leadership behavior. Therefore, identifying deep-seated mindsets is crucial for successful change programs. This can be achieved through techniques such as laddering interviews, which uncover the underlying motivations and values that shape individual mindsets. Qualitative data analysis, including the use of word clouds, can also provide insights into organizational mindsets.

Reframing the root-cause mindsets is essential for driving meaningful change. It involves bringing subconscious norms and beliefs into consciousness and expanding the realm of possibilities. Change leaders should prioritize a short list of mind-set shifts and related behaviors to drive successful change initiatives.

In conclusion, prioritizing desktop reading for better comprehension and information retention is crucial in the age of mobile news consumption. Additionally, considering the mindset shifts required for successful change initiatives can significantly impact organizational health and performance. To drive change effectively, it is essential to assess skill-set requirements, close any skill gaps through reskilling or hiring, and identify and reframe deep-seated mindsets. By implementing these actionable strategies, organizations can increase their chances of successful change and improve overall performance.