A coupe of weeks ago I was working with a company that is going through a comprehensive software change. Almost everybody was very frustrated with the implementation of the process. The stress level was very high. As a result, people were having a harder time learning the new skills.
In our interaction with different groups over the week, we encouraged a different kind of conversation. At the start there was a lot of negativity, the mood was: “this is too hard; it will take us forever to master this program.” As we moved the focus to sharing the small gains that everybody was experiencing, the mood changed to cautious optimism: “We already know a lot more today than we did one month ago; maybe this will be a good thing after all.”
It's easy to become discouraged and abandon change efforts when you look at the steep learning curve ahead. It looks daunting and never ending. Change efforts need to be design in small doable steps that people can accomplished from the start:
- Design specific small steps that can be mastered in a short time.
- Encourage sharing small successes often.
- Optimize the positive energy created by success to tackle the next step, and the next, and the next. . .
Try this powerful small steps focus. You will will be surprise at how much easier change becomes.
What is your experience with change? What makes it easier for you? Share your comments with us.If you found this information useful, imagine how much more effective you and your organization will be, working with me. To find out more, click here.
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