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    BPI Expert Faculty

    David Maxfield

    VP of Research

    VitalSmarts

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.Serves as the Vice President of Research at VitalSmarts, a prominent leadership development company.
    • 2.Co-authored the three New York Times bestsellers: Influencer, Change Anything, and Crucial Accountability.
    • 3.Holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University, where he has also taught.
    • 4.His research explores how crucial conversations can prevent project failures and improve organizational outcomes.
    • 5.Recipient of Stanford University's Dean's Award for Innovative Industrial Education.

    About David

    Who is David Maxfield?

    David Maxfield is a distinguished expert in communication, behavior, organizational effectiveness, and corporate culture. As the Vice President of Research at VitalSmarts, a prominent corporate training and leadership development company, he spearheads high-leverage research initiatives. His extensive work focuses on identifying the root causes of managerial, cultural, and operational inefficiencies, and developing effective solutions to address them.

    What is David Maxfield known for?

    Maxfield is renowned for his significant contributions to the fields of leadership, organizational development, and personal effectiveness. He is a co-author of three New York Times bestsellers: Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change; Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success; and Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior. These works highlight his expertise in driving both individual and organizational transformation. His research often explores the vital role of "crucial conversations" in various contexts, including healthcare and enterprise project management, demonstrating how effective communication can prevent project failures and foster better outcomes. Maxfield's insights have been instrumental in helping numerous organizations, including major clients such as General Mills, Harvard Medical School, Pizza Hut, and Spectrum Health, enhance their effectiveness and vitality.

    What is David Maxfield's background and experience?

    David Maxfield holds a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University, where his doctoral work laid the foundation for his deep understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. His academic career includes teaching positions at both Stanford University and Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management. In 1980, he co-founded his first consulting and training firm, marking the beginning of a consulting career spanning over two decades. Throughout this period, he has consistently focused on delivering research-backed solutions to complex organizational challenges. His impactful work has earned him prestigious accolades, including Motorola University's Distinguished Teaching Award and Stanford University's Dean's Award for Innovative Industrial Education.

    What topics does David Maxfield speak and write about?

    Maxfield's expertise encompasses a broad range of critical topics essential for modern organizations. He frequently addresses subjects such as communication strategies, behavioral change, fostering organizational effectiveness, and cultivating healthy corporate cultures. His research and publications delve into diversity, leadership principles, the dynamics of influence, and strategies for both personal and organizational change. Furthermore, he explores methods for improving employee engagement and enhancing overall performance. His presentations, delivered to diverse audiences at venues including Stanford and Georgetown Universities, the American Association of CriticalCare Nurses, and the National Association of Children's Hospitals, are known for their engaging stories and captivating examples that motivate listeners to apply new skills immediately.

    How does David Maxfield contribute to the Best Practice Institute?

    As a recognized expert, David Maxfield contributes to the Best Practice Institute by sharing his insights and research through various programs. He has presented on topics vital to organizational success, such as "Silence Fails: The 5 Crucial Conversations for Flawless Execution." This particular session addresses the concerning statistic that a significant percentage of employees work on projects they believe are destined to fail, underscoring the importance of critical dialogue in preventing such outcomes. His involvement with BPI provides members with access to his well-researched perspectives on organization development and change, learning and development, leadership development, employee engagement, and strategic planning, further enriching the institute's mission to advance best practices in leadership and organizational effectiveness.

    Background & Perspective

    Background

    David Maxfield holds a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University, where his academic work focused on human behavior and organizational dynamics. His career includes teaching positions at both Stanford University and Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management. In 1980, he co-founded his first consulting and training firm, beginning a career focused on delivering research-backed solutions to organizational challenges. His work has earned him prestigious accolades, including Motorola University's Distinguished Teaching Award and Stanford University's Dean's Award for Innovative Industrial Education.

    Areas of Expertise

    As the Vice President of Research at VitalSmarts, David Maxfield leads research initiatives focused on identifying the root causes of managerial, cultural, and operational inefficiencies. He is a distinguished expert in communication, behavioral psychology, organizational effectiveness, and corporate culture. His work helps organizations enhance their vitality and effectiveness by addressing complex challenges with evidence-based solutions.

    Published Works and Speaking Topics

    Maxfield is the co-author of three New York Times bestsellers that explore individual and organizational transformation:

    • Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change
    • Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success
    • Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior

    He speaks on a wide range of topics, including communication strategies, behavioral change, leadership principles, influence, and employee engagement. His presentations often highlight his research on "crucial conversations" and how effective dialogue can prevent project failures and foster better outcomes in various industries.

    Areas of Expertise

    CommunicationBehavioral PsychologyOrganizational EffectivenessCorporate CultureLeadership DevelopmentChange ManagementEmployee EngagementCrucial Conversations

    Research Topics

    LeadershipOrganizational Development & ChangeEmployee EngagementLearning & Development

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