It happens pretty often that we want to generate a change in a problematic situation, and the reasons can be the most diverse, personal or professional.
Changing jobs, buying a house, changing cars, quitting smoking, managing time differently, changing partners, changing business strategy, having a child, making a significant investment.
The above are situations that we have all faced at least once in our lives, and they all have something in common:
Why?
The situations we face are often very different, and finding effective solutions can be pretty complicated.
However, I believe that a tool can help you face the most difficult situations with confidence.
The “change equation” (developed by Gleicher, Beckhard and Harris) is a model that we can use in both the work environment and our personal lives.
Let’s go straight to the point.
According to the equation, Resistance to change in a person, group, or organisation will be overcome if:
The authors have effectively described the model with inequality:
D = Dissatisfaction with the current situation
V = Vision (desired) of how the future might be after the change
F = First steps, actions to implement in the short term are known and perceived as feasible.
R = Resistance to change
If only one of these variables is null or not so strong to generate the motivation to change, Resistance cannot be overcome.
Let’s make an example.
Suppose a company wants to change its existing production process with one that has three advantages:
What does the project mean for production staff?
Here is something we can assume:
It is clear that only by involving staff in the transition, employing effective communication and a lot of patience will it be possible to implement the process with a low conflict.
In essence,
How can we make this happen?
By explaining to people, taking the time needed, three things (which I mention here as an example):
If the three previous points’ outcome is higher than the Resistance to change, it will be possible to implement the new process with a low conflict level.
I almost forgot!
Successful organisational communication must have one essential characteristic:
Do you have experience with such change processes?
Could you apply the change equation to your private life?