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Adapting To Change: Understanding the styles

INTRODUCTION

Change is a process of transition from one state or condition to another

Change process always evokes certain emotions, particularly if not managed well

We cannot avoid change as human beings, but we can manage the process better than other species that have to either adapt or face extinction.

Change is inherent in life itself , whether it is positive or negative

Arnold Mindell (a process Psychologist) identified three elements in the change process

  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • The Edge

Simply put, change is the process of moving from the Primary (State) to a Secondary (State) having to cross (over) the Edge in between

However individuals deal differently or adapt differently to change.

Here we will explore how individuals deal with change.

Knowing these styles will enable one to navigate the change process for embracing it easier and managing it well

THREE STYLES OR CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE

LEAPERS, BRIDGE BUILDERS,TRADITIONAL HOLDERS

LEAPERS

  • Leapers are some of those members in a team that enjoy change
  • these ones are the first ones over the edge
  • they see the need for change
  • they are eager for change or to try new technologies
  • they are enthusiasts

STRENGTHS

  • they are great advocates for change
  • they relish the new even though it may not be perfect

CHALLENGE

  • They dont always look before they leap
  • they may get bored easily
  • may always want to move to a new thing

BRIDGE BUILDERS

  • Bridge builders tend to change later or go over the edge later
  • they need to have the rationale for the change
  • they also like the change to be orderly
  • they negotiat or bargain for a good rationale before embracing change

STRENGTHS

  • They tend to think through befre they cross over the edge
  • they need convincing that change is good
  • they then improve on the change process thereby making it easier for others to follow
  • they end up mediating between Leapers and Traditional Holders

CHALLENGES

  • They may take time convincing or seeing the rationale

TRADITIONAL HOLDERS

  • Traditional holders tend to resist change
  • hold on to the status quo
  • they say if it is not broken, do not fix it
  • are known as obstructionists
  • they are protective of standards and value tradition
  • mostly they hold the critical know-how that is valuable but not written in procedures.

STRENGTH

  • They assess the cost benefit ratio of any change
  • Actually, they will force the organization to assess the cost benefit ration prior too change
  • CHALLENGE

They want to maintain the status quo

They may join others long after others have embraced the change.

CONCLUSION

It is important for us to know that each response to change is context specific,

individuals may be Leapers on a particular context yet they can respond as Traditional Holders in another context.

Knowing our own responses to change or crossing may enable us to Keep the Spark in us and others while navigating change.

Sydney Mabaso

BrightStar Facilitator

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