When it comes to change, there are three truths that determine if people will move towards something new or away from it.
Watch the video here:
Hidden Truth #1 — The Law of Change
What is the first question that comes to your mind when you think about a change?
It’s probably “Why?”
The question of “why” tells us our first truth: we only move toward change when we see and understand the need for it.
Simply announcing a decision, a plan or a solution doesn’t work. And it can often create a threat response, which will make change more difficult.
Without this, no movement occurs. That’s the Law of Change.
Hidden Truth #2 — Every Change has Two Dimensions of Change
The event, and the transition.
The event is the decision; it’s tangible, visible, with a clear start and end date. For example, the event is the decision to implement generative AI or hire a new team member.
It’s above the surface.
The transition is what happens underneath.
It’s the space each person has to cross to truly adopt the change.
Imagine an iceberg.
The event is the piece of the change that is above the waterline. The transition is the human journey below the waterline. It’s much harder to see, much larger and far more important to your success.
Like a sea captain navigating the icebergs of the North Atlantic, if you’re only watching what’s above the line, it’s easy for what’s below to sink your ship.
Successful change leaders navigate both. They manage the tasks needed to enable the event and guide the journey to enable people to make the transition.
Hidden Truth #3 — Everyone moves through a Predictable Pattern
Change may be unpredictable, but the human response is not.
Everyone moves through a predictable pattern of change from no problem to a new steady state. I call this the Continuum of Change.
If you’re leading change, remember: you started your journey sooner. By the time you announce it, you’re already ahead.
That’s why the best leaders involve people early. They communicate actively, often and align with the level of readiness of the people expected to adopt the changes.
They give people space to process, unlearn, learn, and make the new normal.
One thing to keep in mind, movement through the Continuum of Change is not a march. It’s more like a dance.
Make every change work for you
When you know these three hidden truths:
- People will only move after they have internalized the need,
- every change is an event and a transition, and
- people move through a predictable pattern,
you can create a responsive organization, where people move with change and thrive because of change instead of simply surviving despite it.
Because when you understand how change really works, you can make every change work for you.
If you’re ready to use change as a growth and performance strategy, with people who can move through change with greater ease, then reach out and let’s have a conversation.
