Read the Book

Following are selected excerpts and the introduction to the book that provide snapshots of the content, style and story of SwitchPoints: Culture Change on the Fast Track to Business Success. Authored by four of the people who were central to the five-year cultural journey, this book is rich in stories and tools.

These excerpts reveal key aspects of the change initiative in the honest, straightforward language of the book. These passages also offer a window into the dynamics of how behavior is key to implementing change.

Introduction: A Broken Culture

This opening story reveals the dismaying state of the culture in parts of CN, and why the organization had to change for the future despite their position as the top-performing railroad in North America.  Read more >

Excerpt from Chapter 5: How to Change CN's Culture

The most important question for any organization working to change its culture is simply, “What is culture?” This chapter shows how CN defined its culture and helped the management team advance from talking about change to taking action.  Read more >

Excerpt from Chapter 8: The Science of the ABCs

The science of behavior is the foundation of CLG’s efforts at CN. Understanding the science became a key skill for every leader, just as it has with many other companies across the globe. Read more >

Excerpt from Chapter 18: Applying the ABC’s – Dressed and Ready

This excerpt provides an example of how CN identified a switchpoint in the culture and involved leaders and employees in making necessary change happen. Read more >

Excerpt from Chapter 28: Developing Internal Consultants

To sustain the changes that were started, CN needed its own internal experts to support leaders and employees. This chapter describes how CLG helped CN develop internal consultants to partner with leaders and support them in their efforts.  Read more >