fostering the change
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Let’s talk for a minute about birds. What do all these birds you’re seeing all over the page have to do with change? Simple and one word: migration.
In change management, people are expected to move from the current state to the future state by way of a transitional state. But how do we prepare our people to move from point A to B? We can use all the tools and tricks in the book and in the end, in order for change to occur and adoption to be measured, people must make the decision to take this next step. Let’s repeat that – adoption is an individual decision and not guaranteed. And this doesn’t happen all at once, does it?
When birds migrate, they don’t all decide to take off at the same time. Some are clearly leaders or agents in their flock, some of these leaders rotate as needed, some may go in a later group, some may resist leaving until the last possible moment, and unfortunately some may be left behind in the process. Different species approach migration in different ways. Many theories even consider that birds have an internal compass! And while tiny to us, these beautiful creatures are extremely mighty and brave – facing predators and unknown conditions every flap of their wings.
When we as change leaders properly plan and equip our people with a migratory path to make the journey, we remove a lot of this guesswork and naturally increase the potential for greater adoption and realization of the project’s benefits. This journey all of a sudden feels less daunting as we provide a strategy and plan full of resources and support to help our people. And most importantly, when we deeply understand as change leaders that some of our people are just completely exhausted from flapping their wings and make intentional plans for how to help propel them along the way.
You’ll begin to notice that the birds are different and this is intentionally designed. Because I may have readers who are seeking different things from their change journey. Though thematically, these bright creatures will appear at the right time and with a story to tell. Just like people, birds have various characteristics and personalities. Depending on the species, certain interests and motivations are more relevant. You know the saying? Birds of a feather flock together. Well, we can even liken this to the practice of persona creation. And by the way, personas play a huge role in developing a sound change strategy.
So join me on this flight as I incrementally tell you more about these birds and the role they play in change!