You have read it and heard it as often as I have. It’s a discouraging statistic. Up to 70 per cent of all change initiatives fail. Many are tempted to think, why even bother trying to change? Could it be that failure to change is the result of doing things backwards? Is there is an easier way?
Granted, changing behaviors is very difficult. Most people can't think their way into a new way of acting. In fact, it’s almost impossible. Instead, successful innovators act their way to a new way of thinking. It's action innovation, not thinking innovation, that makes the difference.
Inside your brain
Recent research on the neurobiology of human decision-making offers the scientific explanation of why. Contrary to what you would like to believe, humans are often not rational. Instead, your past experiences create predetermined neurologic pathways for behaviors that you repeat, even when those actions may not be in your best interests.
Don't believe me? Think about any bad habit you might have. Why do you keep repeating it, even when you are convinced it's a bad habit? Because it's the automatic easy way.
Yes, behaviors are driven by beliefs. And yes, to change behavior, you must change beliefs. But beliefs do not reside in some specific filing cabinet in your brain.
Rather, functional magnetic resonance imaging studies show your beliefs are generated by the recurrent firing of specific neurons and neurotransmitters. This brain activity is developed by experience and linked to the feelings that experience engenders.
In other words, your brain is hardwired by experience and feelings. The stronger the positive feeling and the more frequent the experience, the more you become hardwired to respond in the same way. What is the connection with leading change?
Action comes first
Action generates feelings that inform future experience. The more positive the feelings and the more direct the link to the experience, the more likely beliefs are to change. When beliefs change, behavior changes.
So, you can't think your way into a new way of acting. Instead, you have to act your way into a new way of thinking. If you repeat new behaviors often enough, and with positive results and feelings, your believes will change. Same for your people.
Remember. . .
Lead and manage people to act their way to innovative thinking. It's the way to the future! Our brains say it's so.
If you have questions abut how to use the power of your brain to be a better leader this year, schedule a free half hour strategic call by clicking here. For the rest of February I have time to give 5 free strategic sessions to the first 5 people to contact me. Take action NOW!
Photo by: cta web