Chief Change Officer Podcast: Episode #212 with Jennifer Selby Long
Title: Office Politics Without the Backstabbing—Yes, It’s Possible
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Vince Chan

Introduction

In Episode #212 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chen engages in a profound conversation with Jennifer Selby Long, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience aiding tech leaders through organizational transformations. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and user experience, providing invaluable insights applicable to anyone striving to thrive in today's dynamic environment.

Managing Self-Sabotage Through Neuroscience

Jennifer delves deep into the intricate mechanisms of self-sabotage, drawing from the work of neuroscientist Shirzad Shamin. She explains that these destructive behaviors are "neural networks that very tiny children develop to ensure their survival" and are ingrained by the age of five (04:50).

"When you start to feel yourself self sabotage, that's not you, that's the saboteur."
— Jennifer Selby Long [04:50]

Jennifer emphasizes that these saboteurs, such as the universal "Judge," are remnants of early survival mechanisms that no longer serve us in adulthood. Recognizing these saboteurs is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership.

Dealing with Judgment

The conversation transitions to the pervasive issue of self-judgment. Vince shares a personal struggle with being harsher on himself compared to others, leading to detrimental effects on his self-esteem and productivity (09:02).

"The judge energy is contagious to others, no matter which direction it's headed."
— Jennifer Selby Long [10:37]

Jennifer provides strategies to mitigate self-judgment, advocating for self-compassion and the deliberate weakening of the internal Judge. Techniques include humorously acknowledging the Judge and respectfully dismissing its unwarranted criticisms.

Personal Experience with Change Leadership

Jennifer recounts a challenging coaching experience where a leader was resistant to change despite significant efforts. This scenario taught her the importance of recognizing when to let go and shift strategies rather than persisting futilely.

"Until my client made that decision and that commitment, we struggled."
— Jennifer Selby Long [18:31]

This anecdote underscores the necessity of adaptability and the courage to make tough decisions for the greater good of the organization.

Organizational Change Models

The discussion explores classic change management models, specifically referencing Kurt Lewin's "Freeze, Change, Unfreeze" framework and drawing parallels to Bill Bridges' model. Jennifer highlights the critical final stage—emerging with a new identity—as essential for sustainable transformation (22:08).

"It is so vital to understand that you're not. Change management is about hitting the target."
— Jennifer Selby Long [23:24]

She illustrates this with the evolution of financial analysts transitioning from data crunchers to strategic advisors, emphasizing the profound personal and professional identity shifts that accompany organizational change.

Navigating Ineffective Leadership

A significant portion of the episode addresses strategies for dealing with ineffective bosses and avoiding the pitfalls of office politics. Jennifer outlines common mistakes professionals make, such as playing psychologist with their bosses or getting emotionally entangled in political battles.

"Making a change because you're running away from something usually doesn't pan out as well as when you're running towards something."
— Jennifer Selby Long [34:21]

She offers practical advice:

1. Step Back and Assess: Evaluate the true impact of your boss's ineffectiveness on your career and well-being.
2. Maintain Professionalism: In politically charged environments, document interactions and maintain composure.
3. Explore Multiple Solutions: Avoid fixating on a single approach to resolving conflicts.
4. Empathy Over Judgment: Understand the needs and motivations of different stakeholders to navigate political landscapes effectively.

Understanding Office Politics

Vince brings attention to the often-overlooked role of office politics in change management. Jennifer acknowledges that politics can stem from unhealthy leadership or differing team needs and skill levels.

"Empathy because being able to understand and empathize the competing needs of the many stakeholders involved in a change is the path forward."
— Jennifer Selby Long [45:37]

She stresses that empathy is the cornerstone of successfully navigating political dynamics, enabling leaders to align diverse interests and foster collaborative environments.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Jennifer Selby Long imparts invaluable wisdom on managing personal and organizational change. Key takeaways include:

• Recognize and Address Self-Sabotage: Understanding the neuroscience behind destructive behaviors allows for effective mitigation.
• Cultivate Self-Compassion: Reducing self-judgment enhances personal growth and leadership effectiveness.
• Adaptability in Leadership: Knowing when to pivot strategies or let go of resistant individuals is crucial for organizational success.
• Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Navigating office politics with empathy facilitates harmonious and productive work environments.

By integrating these insights, listeners can harness change as a superpower, outgrowing personal limitations and achieving remarkable professional transformations.

Notable Quotes:

• "When you start to feel yourself self sabotage, that's not you, that's the saboteur."
  — Jennifer Selby Long [04:50]

• "The judge energy is contagious to others, no matter which direction it's headed."
  — Jennifer Selby Long [10:37]

• "Making a change because you're running away from something usually doesn't pan out as well as when you're running towards something."
  — Jennifer Selby Long [34:21]

• "Empathy because being able to understand and empathize the competing needs of the many stakeholders involved in a change is the path forward."
  — Jennifer Selby Long [45:37]

About the Host and Podcast:

Vince Chen, the host of Chief Change Officer, brings together global role models to share their deep human intelligence—experience-driven wisdom that blends logic and love, art and science. With over 110,000 followers, the podcast serves as a guide for personal and professional transformation, empowering listeners to become wiser, clearer, and more ambitious.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the provided transcript have been omitted to focus on the core discussion and insights of the episode.