Change One Person at a Time
We like to talk about process change. We like to talk about cultural change. About organizational change. We like to talk about big picture change.
But change is fundamentally about people changing. In fact it is about one person changing at a time. Because change is, at the end of the day, well, personal.
And we don’t like to change. It’s hard. It’s hard even for those who embrace change.
We know that to help change along we need to talk about the benefits. We need to talk about how the need for change isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s just a need, a constant need. We know about good goals and good communication.
But what about me? This is about my personal relationship with change not some need or goal or mission statement. It’s about me. The individual.
I always like to tell people that you change the world one interaction at a time, one choice at a time. You hold the door for someone carrying a bag. You smile at a stranger. You buy local. One interaction at a time.
It’s the same for business change. You change the organization one person at a time. One interaction with that person at a time.
It’s like being a guidance counselor. You talk to individuals about their needs, about how they react to change. Each person’s relationship with change will be different. Some will be nervous. Some will be afraid. Some will be resistant. Some will be bitter. Some will be cynical. Some will be all for it.
Find out. Find out for each person. What are their concerns. What are their needs.
Their needs may have nothing specific to do with the given project. Assuage their fears. Help them understand process. Get them engaged and remove the unknown. Or other behavioral options that might be called for.
Bring them enlightenment. Don’t be the light. Give them the light.
Help the person with change and you help everyone and everything. And yes, it takes time. It’s time well spent. Teach people to change and they will change the world.
Once More Unto the Change 