Change from the Inside Out

Book excerpt: Change initiatives fail because humans are hardwired to return to what's worked for us in the past. This book offers a straightforward process for rewiring ourselves and those we lead to be more change-capable. Erika Andersen says avoiding change has been a historical imperative. In this book, she shows how we can overcome that reluctance and get good at making necessary change. Using a fictional story about a jewelry business changing generational hands, Andersen lays out a five-step model for addressing both this human side of change and its practical aspects: Step 1: Clarify the change and why it’s needed—Get clear on what the change is and the benefits it will bring. Step 2: Envision the future state—Build a shared picture of the post-change future. Step 3: Build the change—Bring together a change team, engage key stakeholders, and plan the change. Step 4: Lead the transition—Build a transition plan that supports the human side of the change, then engage the whole organization in making the change. Step 5: Keep the change going—Work to make your organization permanently more change-capable. With opportunities to self-reflect and try out the ideas and approaches throughout, this book is a practical guide to thriving in this era of nonstop change.