The “change business” has become a bit confused. Misconceptions must be dismissed in order to illuminate the practical application of change. Here I present fallacies alongside some home-grown common-sense. First, test your level of understanding. Which statements below are accurate? Clarification follows.
- Generally all change goes through a similar process.
- Your particular change is unique to you or your group.
- Problems can only be solved when you know the root cause.
- No plan is a plan.
- Change is a natural condition of life therefore, it is easy.
- When one part of any system changes that impacts change of the system.
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1. Generally all change goes through a similar process is common sense and accurate. With change there is a natural upswing of energy that comes to a climax and, thereafter descends. Inevitably this cycle begins again. Many disciplines give this phenomena various names and attribute models to it. The Sigmoid Curve Model from business is an example. It encourages ventures to sell soon after the climax. In education this is also known as the learning curve.
2. Change is unique to that context or person. Given that there are general trends in change processes (as described above in #1), it follows that the flow of change is not unique to categories of context or person. Specifics regarding a context or person might change however, in general change has patterns that can be observed, or guided similarly in all systems. Given this understanding, it is reasonable that the same advice might apply to two completely persons or situations.
3. Problems can only be solved when you know the root cause. Knowing the root cause of a problem can help one know the antidote for change. Yet, it is also true that problems can be facilitated and solved when the cause is not known. The cause is often unknowable because of the issues with time, records, people who are no longer available, and other reasons. Countless hours can be wasted when one only searches for root causes. Therefore change can begin where you are.
4. No plan is a plan. Paradoxically, you this is accurate. No plan invites distraction of all varieties, confusion, and loss. A plan directs focus, energy, intelligence and resources. Of course one must refer to the plan repeatedly for the plan to have impact.
5. Change is a natural condition of life therefore, it is easy. Change is a natural condition of life yet, that does not make it easy or comfortable. It is equally natural that we humans are sensitive and experience change with difficulty.
6. When one part of any system changes that impacts other areas of the system. Physics and psychology embrace this concept, in fact it can be proven. This is a powerful approach for someone who wants to impact change in a living system. Typically one finds resistance to change. Change agents are masterful at gently provoking systems in a sustainable, productive manner.
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Common sense is sometimes rare. How accurate are your responses to the statements above? Grounded Change invites you to learn more about change in order to a better change agent, to perform masterfully in your life and to find fulfillment.
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Anna Paine Gomez, honors Thomas Paine author of “Common Sense.” He was a change agent who promoted democracy and US freedom during the American Revolution era.