Things to Think About 054

"Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up." James Belasco and Ralph Stayer

This quote addresses one of the most common issues I, and the leaders with whom I work, deal with on a daily basis when trying to get others to accept change. The reason I wanted to bring this to your attention is that often I find the real issue is one of communication. The people who are being asked to change in some way feel they are left in the dark as to why they are being asked to change and given a vision of what the benefits of the change will be. Why? Often it’s because management doesn’t feel there is time—things are happening too quickly and we have to act now. Unfortunately, all too often, this is a recipe for disaster. The most successful change agents I worked with over the years spent vast resources on communicating reasons for change, the benefits and value of change, as well of the consequences of not changing. This is how effective leaders implement change.

Till next time…