Books

“Harold Schroeder and I met a few years back and, even though I have not had the opportunity to work with Harold, I have always valued his knowledge regarding strategic planning and change management.  Having published many valuable white papers, Harold recently published a book tilted ‘The Art and Science of Transformation’, which presents the reader with a great blueprint for becoming and sustaining competitive advantage.

What stood out for me was the value of people, both internal talent and customers, as the critical component to any successful transformation.  Any of us can learn the process for transformation, but without a clear understanding of the how to work with people to achieve transformation, the processes fall flat.

‘The Art and Science of Transformation’ is a must read for anyone accountable for achieving competitive advantage.

Thanks Harold!”

Tom Opper

President, Lead By Advantage

“In this insightful book – The Art & Science of Transformation – Harold Schroeder has elegantly mapped out and defined the requisite skills and processes for mastering the art & science of transformation.

An incredibly useful resource that consolidates research and expertise in the fields of strategic and project planning.”

Suzanne Park

President, Park Vandal Associates, Inc.

“My copy of The Art and Science of Transformation arrived this week, and folks, Harold Schroeder has nailed it with this book In this new business paradigm where ‘transformation’ is undeniable, you’ll want this guide to assist you.

Great work Harold.”

Peter Comrie

CEO, Vcademy

“I have had a chance to read and review ‘The Art and Science of Transformation’ – and like the white papers I so appreciated over the years –  the text did not disappoint. I plan to give several copies away as parting gifts and you should also know that my dog-eared copy of the paper on this topic has been shared many times.”

Lynne Julius, RN

Site Operations Lead – Grand River Hospital Freeport ‎ Campus

“Harold Schroeder offers thought-provoking ideas on how an organization can ensure its Business Transformation initiatives deliver strategic and economic value. His research shows transformations are most successful when they clearly meet human needs and add social value.

Particularly intriguing are notions on how the individual (at any level in an organization) might apply Harold’s leadership and business insights, to grow as a person and help others – and deliver true organizational effectiveness.”

David Sumpton

Professor in Project Leadership, Western University

” The research and experience that Harold Schroeder has applied to this topic is evident as he weaves a thread of both theory and application across each of the key components of successful transformation outlined in the book. That is whole philosophy of the art and science approach. It is about leadership and management, theory and application, research and experience, etc. For anyone needing to undertake a successful transformation effort, this book is an excellent resource from which the reader can learn valuable tips on how to lead transformation, as well as the reasons why these approaches work. ”

Joel Gibbons

Director of IT, National FFA Organization

“The Art & Science of Transformation” presents thorough research for providing for an even-balanced treatment of the intuitive/emotional (The Art) and the logical/rational (The Science) aspects of managing transformation projects. An excellent read for executives and project leaders/managers alike … could serve as a course book or practical reference manual for change.

Jerry Adel

President, Jerry Adel & Company Management Consultants

” I found the details about art and science and examples provided very helpful.  The insight about the  importance of the synergy between the Executive sponsor and Project manager is also very important. I am very fortunate to have chosen a person I can trust, has experience in the field and with whom I’ve worked with before as a colleague through the merger of an organization. Communication between the two roles is critical and creating meaning out of many pieces of the puzzle that cross the organization for an external project manager is challenging at best. The information synthesized in this book is solid. Thank you for sharing! ”

Susan Pilatzke

Senior Director, Health System Transformation

North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)

“I had previously read your first book “The Art and Science of Transformation” and had found that it aligned very well with my beliefs and experiences over many years … that almost anything worth doing or accomplishing requires acumen in both ‘art’ and ’science’, especially in medical care organizational change and transformation – whether at a team level, business unit, department, or an entire organization … and in health care, at even the entire delivery system itself, whether provincially or nationally.

Your book  “Preparing for Organizational Transformation” was very timely. I was in the midst of working with a client organization that felt like they were under siege. Many external pressures were forcing the organization to completely re-create themselves. To say that their “change muscle was weak” would have been an understatement. Several of the frameworks presented in the book were extremely useful with individuals, teams, staff, volunteers, and even board members in helping to provide a context for what they were going through. Most especially, the following two items were useful in my work with this organization: 1. Stages of Employee-Level Cultural Transformation, and 2. Cultural Change-Shaping Levers.

After introducing the executive and management team to the Art and Science of Transformation Framework –and identifying and assigning the related roles – both the shared and individual goals, objectives, metrics, and measurable success factors were agreed upon.

Upon the completion of the consulting contract, both the client organization and I agreed that your book, “Preparing for Organizational Transformation” had become an invaluable resource, and that it was practical, easy to understand … and really drove home that “who they were as leaders of such a significant change” was as important as the tactical skills and management competencies they had.

This book will remain a valuable reference source for me throughout the rest of my leadership career.”

Corry Thomas CHRM., HIA., MHP., MHSc., CHE (candidate)
Executive Consultant & Coach: Transitions, Transformation & Operational Readiness

“The book clearly establishes the difference between conventional projects and those that are more complex and riskier, requiring finesse in balancing the science and art of project management. It provides a helpful guide for organizations embarking on a complex change project. It clarifies the crucial roles for a successful project and serves as a roadmap to organizations going through the process.  Harold Schroeder is an expert and champion in the Art and Science of Project Management. Grounded in theory and concepts, the book draws his deep understanding gleaned from extensive work with clients who have gone through a transformation.”

Marcelene Anderson

President – Raven Strategic Management Consultants

“Harold’s approach to change is holistic and relational. His principle centered methods are strategic and results driven as he attends to the nuances of the complex corporate world. ‎If you’re looking to the bridge the gap between “art and science” when it comes to Organizational Transformation ‎then this book is for you.”

David Peck

President, SoChange

“I was fortunate to be selected as an early reviewer for Harold’s book and I have to say that is it well worth its price. It does not pretend to change the world but it gives key tips on how to go through and develop a plan for moving your organization forward. Well done Harold!”

Sylvie Edwards

Professor, Durham College

“I love your book. I love the detail included and examples that you provide. It is well organized and easy to use as a reference. I have already used it with my MBA class and I will keep going back to the book as a source of material. I particularly love the chapter on Risk and Risk Management. Very insightful and usable. Thanks for writing it. ”

Malcolm Smith

Professor at Schulich School of Business

York University

“A timely, compelling reference & field guide which succinctly outlines the key drivers at play for securing organizational transformation within modern organizations. Harold’s latest book is inspirational (narrative, visual facts/charts/diagrams & case studies) to guide strategists who are not “faint of heart” in the art & science of design and implementation of sustainable organizational change. ”

Michelle Stuart

CEO & Founder

Michelle Stuart Consulting

“I have read Organization Change – Drivers of Change and found it to be very much on target in identifying and explaining the trends in both cultural and competitive factors driving change and the resulting need for new business models. In addition, Harold does an excellent job in covering key opportunities i.e.  strategies that companies should embrace such as collaboration, lean, social media, outsourcing, risk management and project management.

I found the application of the Art and Science of Transformation® model to be excellent … and look forward to reading Harold’s other books to gain even more insight in facilitating change.  In my early years as a consultant I definitely focused on the “science” factors. I wish I could have read Harold’s book then. I will definitely recommend to my clients that they read this book. ”

Charles Bennett

CEO

Process Partners

“A principle of sociology called “Social Constructionism” relates that organizational cultures are made up of the values, ambitions, ethics, perceptions of all the employees who work there, and all who have ever worked there in the past. This is why it’s so difficult to transform an organizational culture from its current state to a more desirous one. Schroeder’s book, Drivers of Change, from the series of books on the Art and Science of Transformation, is the veritable text on where and how organizations should focus to bring about high performance in today’s world.” It will help put you back in the driver’s seat to create that culture of excellence.”

Michael Hart

President, HUMAN

Enablers of Organizational Transformation, by Harold M. Schroeder, is packed solid with information and data to back up the statements it claims. The fourth in a series of books on the process of organizational transformation, Enablersdigs deeper into his art and science based approach to any transformation; the importance of employing both soft skills and strategic tools to achieve success. The book covers five key areas in depth: the ability to adapt quickly in an evolving world of digital marketing and sales; using human resources strategically as a key differentiator in the marketplace; improving overall effectiveness by aligning systems, process and culture to a rapidly changing technology landscape; utilizing information management to quickly access, analyse and improve performance; and implementing contract lifecycle management to drive compliance and gain efficiencies.

Being part of a government organization in the midst of a cultural transformation myself, the enablers highlighted struck a chord for being the very areas we struggle with the most. Of no surprise, human resources and technology are key that can make or break any transformation. Strategic human resource decisions ensure the right people are in the right positions, supported with the right technology to achieve the long-term goals of the organization. Added to that, the culture of an organization must be willing to embracing advancements in technology to remain competitive. An organization’s culture must also commit to realign procurement and contract management, enabled through contract lifecycle management, to effectively navigate legislative, improve efficiencies and avoid associated risks.

The assertion that information management is not just a good business practice but an essential element of transformation really resonated. This was probably the most interesting enabler highlighted for me. Organizations struggle to achieve strong information management (IM) practices, concentrating on compliance as key driver. Reframing IM as a key transformation enabler, and ultimately a component to achieve peak performance, shed a new light on its importance and strategic benefit. Once again, corporate culture and organizational systems to support effective records management and electronic content management must align to achieve any kind of strategic benefit.

Enablers of Organizational Transformation is not a light read. There is tremendous information to absorb and thoughtful consideration given to how all enablers work holistically to achieve results. Take the time to consider Schroeder’s approach to transformation. I guarantee you will discover valuable insight, applicable to your organization’s transformative journey.

Brian E. Scott

Manager, Strategy & Business Services Branch, Ontario Financing Authority

“With his fourth book, Harold has proven again his breadth of understanding around organizational transformation – as he delivers wonderful insights and nuggets of wisdom from a thorough and diligent review of the literature and the presentation of real world experience. The book is a great consolidation of research packed with insights and practical advice for all business leaders, Marketing, HR, IT, Procurement professionals and especially Management Consultants guiding organizations through transformation. ”

Mike Watson FCMC

Chair, Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC Canada)

“This is one of the most comprehensive and understandable books on organisational transformation which I have read. The examples and recommendations are pertinent to business of all sizes in all markets globally. As business seek to evolve it is imperative that the aspects outlined in this insightful book are considered and implemented.”

Michael King

National Director: Solutions and Data Analytics, Drake International

“I enjoyed the book and was pleasantly surprised at what a quick and easy read it was.  I found the chapter on Managing People of particular interest – i.e. the trending shift from Tactical HR to Strategic HR approaches. The advantages and challenges are all laid out nicely, from the key characteristics and competencies to the development of the People Strategy.

In my role, I’m no stranger to organizational change and have managed many change initiatives.  I agree that human resources are a critical driver of performance – and the key to any organization’s success.”

Marianne Morencie

Lead, Gaming Transformation, Ontario Lottery and Gaming

I found the book to be enlightening, engaging and stimulating.  As a lifelong learner who has a Doctorate in Business with a major in Organizational Leadership, I was impressed at how aligned Mr. Schroeder’s and my thinking were.  I found the section on Managing People to be the most relevant to my work at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, where engaging others to achieve our goals is key.  I have always believed that patient outcomes are best achieved when leaders work collaboratively to garner and leverage talent.

At the NSHA (over 24,000 employees) my colleague and I host Leadership Lunch and Learn sessions the first Wednesday of every month.  This month we are discussing change management and I am going to bring the book with me as a relevant reference for leaders to read.

Thank you Mr. Schroeder for your insights and perspectives.  It was a real pleasure to read your book and I look forward to your 5^th book.

Dr. Marcy Saxe-Braithwaite, BScN, MScN, MBA, DBA, CHE

Senior Director, Perioperative/Surgical Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority