In my post on 3 obstacles to change, I said that confusion is a killer. A confused mind does nothing. Most change process are unsatisfactory. The primary cause of failure is lack of clarity about the reasons for change and the overall objectives. Change is more effective when you are able to bring clarity to the process.
If you want to lower resistance to change, make sure people are clear about why the change is needed, what is going to change and when, and how is the change going to be implemented. Let’s examine what needs to be clear.
What to change
You need to create agreement on what the problem is. This can be done by inviting a good representation of the people involved in the problem to analyze the cause. You can utilize situation assessment, description of the “current reality,” and identification of the core problem or conflict. You should also look for the assumptions that sustain it.
The key is to look for the systemic cause. You can then find a solution that will go to the root of the problem Solving the symptoms only is not the objective. Remember that this is not a time to blame someone, but to agree on what to change.
What to change to
You will want to involve as many people as possible in verbalizing the vision/solution. Ask them how they envision things after the change has been established. Your priority should be to find a strategy to attain the desired state, while avoiding undesirable side effects. You will want to get to decision-making, and solution development.
How to make change happen
Develop detailed plans and tactics that will clarify what needs to happen. A synchronization of the efforts of the group in the implementation of the strategy will be needed.
With careful planning, team-building, and positive leadership you can erase many fears. People will know which steps to take, and will be able to be successful from the beginning.
How to sustain the change
An often overlooked area is a clear plan for sustainability. The new change needs to be practiced, reinforced, and supervised long enough for it to become easy and permanent. That is how new habits are made and sustained.
People can contribute their ideas on how to remind, help, and support each other through the implementation of the change. Recognize efforts and successes in the process. Remind each other often of the vision, how things will work and look when the change is in place. Find ways to lower stress. Facilitate more pauses to break the tension and reflect on gains. Celebrate whenever one of the steps is reached. People need reminders of success to draw energy for keeping the process going.
Remember. . .
Clarity will bring security, lower fears, and accelerate the change process. A focus on strengths and positive gains, will bring enthusiasm and lower stress. A clear mind can learn more easily. Positive feelings help the reasoning part of the brain to keep its sharpness.
Obstacles to change can be turn into stepping stones for change!
Change will be easier and work better, if you turn negativity into positivity and possibility thinking.
Change will be smoother if you aim at including as many people as possible every step of the way.
Change will be more effective if you have total clarity instead of confusion.
What do you think?
What helps you gain clarity about change? When participating in a change effort, How has clarity help? Share your comments with us.
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Photo by: autumn_leaf