Learn from our collective experiences and
Since launching in March 2021, we have collected dozens of stories, met amazing change leaders and held a Story Jam in honor of Public Service Recognition Week. And we are just getting started!
Our goal is to continue gathering your stories and lessons learned and distill them into insights and actions that will help our whole community become better at change.
Join us by submitting your stories or by opting into our initiative mailing list.
Stories of Change Series
In response to the call for Stories of Change, we received dozens of compelling entries from leaders in business and government. We have reviewed them all and will be sharing the top 5 leadership lessons in the coming months. Check back each month, as we update this page and unveil insights, tips and resources for leaders.
#2: Invest in Inclusion
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month we are sharing tips and resources on investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). It’s not only the right thing for leaders to do, but it also helps more effectively meet agency missions and business’ bottom line.
Why I invest in inclusion (and how you can too)
By Beth McDonald, President, Wheelhouse Group
One of the first things we as leaders do is decide which key areas we want to invest in within our organizations. We know that where we spend our time and our resources impacts our people, our clients and ultimately our success.
Why CIOs should invest in an accessible government
Guest Blog by Mike Gifford, Senior Strategist from CivicActions, our Digital Services Coalition Partner
There is growing momentum around inclusion and accessibility in government, and the President himself has made it a key priority through his recent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Executive Order.
So, what does this mean for government leaders, especially CIOs? It’s time to invest in accessibility — which in turn will help you build more inclusive teams AND future-proof your organization.
Resource Links
Spotlight: Disability-Led Innovation
- Podcast: Disability-Led Innovation in Future Workplaces
- Podcast: Disability Inclusion Training for Employers
- Digital Accessibility Toolkit: Staff Training Resources
- The Value of Inclusive Apprenticeships
Spotlight: Fostering Accessibility
Webinar: Fostering a Culture of Inclusion and Accessibility in the Workplace
Podcast: Accessibility Solutions for Employees
Accessibility: Making the Business Case for Employers
Buy IT!—Your Guide for Purchasing Accessible Technology
Spotlight: The Future of Emerging Tech
#3 Be Authentic
Authenticity is key to creating a workplace environment that responds effectively to change. To motivate and support others, authentic leaders are continually working on themselves. Being authentic sets an example for employees and promotes a healthy space that encourages honesty, vulnerability, and mindfulness. Organizations that do this have proven that they foster better relationships, higher trust, more productivity and a positive work environment. Sound like a place you want to create? This month we provide tips and resources for being an authentic leader.
What’s the first step to being a great leader? Be yourself!
By Joiwind Ronen, Partner and Managing Director, Wheelhouse Group
Over the last 18 months, we’ve all been stretched in new and often uncomfortable ways. As leaders we have struggled with the balance of being authentic and professional in a time of such challenge in our workplaces.
We are also trying hard to support our teams and the people that come to work each day willing to help us reach our shared vision and important organizational goals. We recognize that many of the ways to connect aren’t readily available anymore. Grabbing coffee with a team member, a welcome lunch for a new employee, watercooler catch-ups and hallway conversations have mostly disappeared.
So how do we lead in a way that provides connection and motivation?
How one IRS executive harnesses the power of meditation to meet the mission
Reprinted from Government Executive Magazine
Interview with Anne Shepherd, ACIO, IRS by Lee Frothingham, Managing Director, Wheelhouse Group
Anne Shepherd is a problem-solver. As the associate chief information officer for user and network services at the Internal Revenue Service, she has a lot of problems to solve. Her portfolio includes responsibility for the architecture, design, engineering and operations for the IRS enterprise-wide area network, unified VoIP communications and contact center infrastructure, end-user desktop computing services and more. Her team also manages the service desk to solve IT problems for staff.
How does she manage it all? How does her staff? In a word: Meditation.
Video
Learn about the importance of authenticity for leaders and practice meditation with Loretta Cooper.
Authenticity in leadership
Practicing mindfulness – meditation
Resource Links
- Power through Vulnerability: The New Chapter in Leadership
- Putting People First – Guiding Your Team Toward A New Way of Doing Business
- When Work Feels Like a Funeral
- How to surf the waves of challenge with resilience
- Building resilience in your team
- Authentic Leadership: What it is & Why it’s Important
#4 Sustain Momentum
We know that change leaders don’t just make a big change at one moment in time, but most changes happen over a period – months, even years, and in phases. And during a change effort, many things shift, including changes in leadership. These shifts, often beyond our control, can cause us to lose momentum. Whether it’s a new administration, new priorities or new leadership, we hope these tips for sustaining momentum will help you succeed.
In my experience: how to survive and thrive during leadership change
By Karen Freeman, former SES and Deputy CIO at the IRS & current Wheelhouse Group Advisor
So, a new leader is coming into your organization. And with that new leader, a new perspective on your work. We as federal careerists are no stranger to this. While we expect leadership turnover during a new administration, if you work for the federal government long enough, this will happen regularly throughout your career. Personally, I experienced 10 top leadership changes during my tenure in the Senior Executive Service (SES). As the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) at the IRS, I had to balance the delivery of ongoing mandated services and the planning, development, and execution of changing strategic initiatives that aligned with the vision of new leaders.
How the best leaders maintain momentum during times of change
By Janet Andrews, Wheelhouse Group Executive Coach
Leaders in government and business are all too familiar with that fact that change is constant. However, that awareness doesn’t make keeping up with the pace of change – particularly when you are also trying to implement change – easy. A single factor can cause a slow-down or a milestone miss, whether that factor is organizational, such as a leadership transition, a strategy refresh, or a realignment of priorities; or a shift in some external condition whether political, financial, environmental, societal or technological.
VIDEO
Janet Andrews and Karen Freeman talk with Joiwind Ronen about tips and tricks for sustaining momentum, including:
- How the best leaders maintain momentum during times of change
- What’s it like working with new leaders
- How to leverage leaders AND existing team to keep project momentum
#5 Master Storytelling
For Today’s Leaders, Storytelling is a Skill to Master
The Wheelhouse Group Stories of Change initiative kicked off in March 2021 with the goal of hearing your personal stories of big changes—including leading change initiatives at work, mindset shifts, life transitions, and loss. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing the top insights, ahas, and lessons from the stories you shared.
This first takeaway in our countdown is: stories matter.
Stories are for entertainment, for sense-making, for sharing something important about your values or your identity, for teaching a lesson, or simply—and perhaps most importantly—for connecting. In the workplace and beyond, storytelling is a skill to master. Telling someone that you believe “flexibility is important” is never going to be as compelling as sharing a personal anecdote of a time in your life when you had to be flexible or learned to adapt to a difficult situation—and thrived.
There’s brain science to back this observation. Character-driven stories produce oxytocin, the chemical that enhances cooperation and motivates kindness. It’s no surprise that many of the world’s greatest leaders have been exceptional storytellers. And with a few tips and pointers, we can each learn to more effectively use stories as part of our communications repertoire. Whether you’re preparing for an important presentation, leading a big change effort, or simply wanting to strengthen a relationship, it’s time to brush up on your storytelling.
We have a few pointers to help you improve your storytelling.
- Know the takeaway.
Stories are a dynamic, powerful, and indispensable communications tool. As you think about the story you want to tell, get crystal clear on what the takeaway is. Decide in advance the one thing your listener must walk away with, and focus your details around that takeaway. - Consider your audience.
As you think about who you’ll be sharing your story with, anticipate their questions and expectations. Consider what common experiences you share and what they do not know—and might need more context. Of all the details you could choose to share as you tell your story, think about which will help you best connect with your audience. - Practice makes perfect.
How you deliver your story — yes, we’re talking presentation skills 101— makes a difference. As you deliver your story, remember to make eye contact, emphasize your key words, vary your tone and pitch, vary your speed and volume. Test your story a few times in front of a mirror or with some trusted colleagues. Ask for feedback, see what resonates and where you can improve your delivery, and adjust accordingly.
VIDEO
Communicating for Impact
Lisa Wolfe shares tips for becoming a better storyteller in this 10-minute video.
RESOURCE LINKS
- JD Schramm’s HBR article, A Refresher on Storytelling 101
- TED’s playlist on How to Tell a Story
- David Hutchens’ story canvas– a simple tool to help you draft a story
- Jeff Gothelf’s HBR article, Storytelling Can Make or Break Your Leadership
VIDEO
Story Jam Highlights
View highlights from some of our skilled storytellers, including Anne Shepherd of the IRS, at the May 2021 Public Service Recognition Week event.
On May 6th, 2021, during Public Service Recognition Week, we gathered for our first-ever Story Jam to share our Stories of Change, tales of resilience and innovation inspired by the tremendous challenges we’ve all navigated this past year. Our storytellers were six leaders from the government and private sector who enlightened, delighted and enriched us with new perspectives—and hope for the future.
Below is the full video from the 90-minute event, followed by clips of the individual speakers. We strive to communicate in a way that is accessible to everyone. Our Stories of Change video includes an audio description and captions. Here is a full transcript with image descriptions.
Individual Storyteller Video Clips
Amy Fong
Amy Fong, a Statistician at the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy, showed us the power in vulnerability. Her story from her time at the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, where she managed programs that support tribal transit, celebrated the benefits of perseverance and patience in pursuit of racial equality.
Anne Shepherd
End-user experience is the main concern for Anne Shepherd, Associate Chief Information Officer for User and Network Services at the IRS. In her story, Anne introduced us to Winnie the Chatbot, AI technology created for the internal IRS technology helpdesk employees to assist in workload management. Winnie’s dramatic journey from suspect to celebrated team member will leave you inspired.
Dennis Watkins
Our event kicked off with award-winning 3rd generation magician and mentalist Dennis Watkins, who told how he recaptured the wonder of magic for himself and his audiences through his virtual magic shows after COVID made the art of live performances disappear.
Judith Zawatsky
COVID’s impact on Judith Zawatsky, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Systems Management within GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, was profound. Her revelations about motivation, collaboration, and output have changed her definition of what it means to lead an effective team.
Larry Goldberg
Larry Goldberg, Head of Accessibility at Verizon Media, told how his company not only talks the diversity, equity and inclusion talk, it walks the walk. We shared Larry’s pride as he explained how Verizon enabled 95% of their employees to work from home, including employees who needed assistive technology and other accommodations. He also gave an exciting sneak peek into the future of immersive technology for people with disabilities.
Richard Crespin
The story from Richard Crespin, CEO of CollaborateUp and Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies took us into the Southern African Bush to learn how reluctant, distrustful technology adopters warmed up to and embraced modern collaboration tools to prevent wildlife crime and protect the world’s charismatic megafauna.
This past year, we have experienced tremendous challenges and hardship. Yet, we have also seen remarkable stories of resilience and innovation. Our “Stories of Change” initiative helps us learn from our collective experiences and all become better drivers of change.
We are inviting our partners, clients, employees and colleagues to answer these questions: What did you face? What did you learn?
