How to Make Change When Change is Hard
A Step-by-Step Methodology
This framework is based on the book, Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard, written by Chip Heath & Dan Heath (2010). Switch lays out a step- by-step methodology for designing and implementing a new way of doing things – anything from a corporate initiative to adjusting personal habits. I certainly recommend the book, which is a bestseller and available anywhere (including libraries). For outstanding summaries of the authors' works, visit www.heathbrothers.com.
PROVIDE DIRECTION
Find the Bright Spots
1. When does the challenge not happen?
2. What’s the first sign (even small) that change is happening?
3. Where is it working?
4. Can it be replicated and where?
Avoid comparisons with any person or team other than the person or team you are assessing.
Script the Critical Moves
1. Be prescriptive and coach with specificity.
2. Start with one place or person.
3. Identify the best metric.
4. Evaluate critical moves using the following checklist:
Ask:
Does it evoke emotion?
Was it successful before?
Will it provide a quick win?
Is it consistent with people's identity?
Does it feel doable?
Will it connect with the big picture?
Will it create positive peer pressure?
Will it make enough of a difference?
Avoid abstractions at all costs.
Point to the Destination
1. Paint a vivid picture of the right destination (“Destination Postcard”).
2. Be clear when it will be time to celebrate (“Champagne Test”).
3. Focus more on outcomes than processes.
4. If necessary, set a non-negotiable goal.
PROVIDE MOTIVATION
Find the Feeling
1. Demonstrate the change visually.
2. Identify or create a rallying symbol. 3. Provide high-credibility testimonials.
Shrink the Change
1. Show people the progress they’ve already made.
2. Make changes in small increments.
3. What can you do immediately to gain some momentum?
4. Celebrate all wins, no matter how small.
5. Focus on short-term, concrete goals so people can celebrate.
Grow Your People
1. Appeal to (or create) a shared identity.
2. Use IDEO’s U-shaped curve to keep motivation when setbacks occur. 3. Present Professor Carol Dweck’s “Mindset Model.”
4. Instill that failure can be a learning experience.
5. Highlight and champion the best performers.
SHAPE THE PATH
Tweak the Environment
1. What one thing (“5 Minute Rescue”) can you do right now?
2. Make each operational step as easy as possible.
3. Recognize that vocal recalcitrants can become champions.
Tiny changes can have a big impact (“Butterfly Effect”).
Build Habits
1. Create “Action Triggers” (who, what, when, where, how).
2. “Piggyback” new habits onto old habits.
3. Use a Checklist.
4. Change how you conduct meetings.