Whether you’re trying to solve a tough problem at work, starting a new business or getting attention for new products, you will need to understand why change doesn’t work.
The process boils down to looking at things differently than you currently do and making change work for you.
So why does change not work for you?
1. It’s The Wrong Idea
One of the main reasons why change doesn’t work is that it is the wrong idea. There’s often more than one right approach, and the second one you come up with might be better than the first.
You then need to explore many visions for the change you are planning.
Involve others and listen to them – just because it may be your job to come up with the change vision does not mean that you are always right.
Eating humble pie can taste good too!
2. It’s The Right Idea At The Wrong Time
If only real-life change could be the same as the books we read on change. They always sound so great and you may often ask were the authors so clear on the change when they began their early steps.
Well we all know it is easy to look back and be justified.
Real-life change situations can often be ambiguous. You might have the right idea but the timing can be off. This may mean that the right people to make the change happen may not be in place or there are too many things outside your control happening.
Just as the business history books talk of Right Time Right Place situations they also need to start referring to Right Idea Wrong Time when change goes wrong!
3. The Reasons For The Change Are Wrong
Change for change sake is not enough!
Try to evaluate the actual reasons for the planned change. Allow these to exist on their own for a bit.
Think about the reasons. Talk to others and make sure they make sense and not just in your head.
4. It’s Not Authentic
A vision of change must be authentic. It must be the right thing to do, at the right time and for the right reasons.
This simple approach will then allow decisions to be easy to make.
5. Reality Is A Long Way Away From The Promise
It’s good to be brave with change but don’t forget that you must be able to deliver on your promises.
6. Bad Luck
It sounds like an excuse but sometimes change fails because of pure and simple bad luck.
Everything is approached in the right way and it still fails.
But this should not mean that you shouldn’t start again!
