In the world of change and the management of it, the idea of the change is just the beginning, the starting block. A well formulated shift, articulated by From --> To is the first key to unlocking the potential of an organization or an individual. Perhaps framed as Goals, Objectives, or outright Wins, the From-->To establishes the what to be accomplished and why, but not the how.
In Reframing, we can explore possible means by which to accomplish the change, leveraging other examples - some out of context - to consider the approaches to share the why and the how; to ensure success, we need to establish a CLEAR change agenda, a plan that can be executed for both communication of the change and realization of the new behaviors, processes, measures, and then goals - establishing a new way to get work done.
I'll say it again: we must Chart a New Course with a CLEAR change agenda; this agenda has 5 elements, scaled to the size and scope of the change necessary:
C = Contrast
Changing From--> To, the Why, and the definition of success must be articulated in terms that can be understood and repeated readily
L = Leadership
Specific identification and engagement of Leaders, both formal in the organization and informal leaders in the technical, client, and adjacent communities
E = Experiences
Experiences drive an individual's Beliefs - and Actions are derived from Beliefs, with Results of course the outcome of Actions. As we orchestrate Experiences aligned with the "new way," we reinforce the new way as the expectation - and that it is worth the effort to change.
A = Access
Access to the new process, technology, way of thinking to make it easier to switch, is an essential reinforcing experience. Even when Amazon was brand new, it was really easy to buy something - this is Access
R = Reinforcement
Reinforcement (or Reward) is the celebration of achievements, again recognizing and valuing the result of the change. Once we've defined the goal (in Contrast), we should be able to define measures of success; celebrating the small wins along the journey encourages individuals to stick with the change for longer term impact
That's the theory. Let's look at the method as applied to my 2019 business goals:
Goals
Finish my Book
Grow Network with Purpose
Grow the Business
Contrast
Book is a Priority (it was NOT last year)
Networking has Purpose
Business $$ increase
Leadership
ME - primarily! (this is unusual for the model)
my informal Advisors, and additional Mentors to help me
Experiences
Engaging in local Women's Network - a positive experience, very supportive and engaging;
Every interview for my book is an experience;
Reading a business novel to confirm my approach;
Access
Carrying my new bag to help me think "globally" beyond Indiana;
Calendaring writing time as a real event
Reinforcement
Celebrating milestones, such as a chapter completed;
New connections in my network; and, of course,
Financial measures
The method applies, albeit a small scale application. I've leveraged the methodology for large scale transformation, and tested the model on a range of mid-sized strategic change examples; it applies at any scale, any organization, and even for individuals. Contact me to learn more!!!
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