LEADING CHANGE: Creating SHORT-TERM WINS makes CHANGE HAPPEN!
What is "THE LAW OF THIRDS" and How it can speed the process...
In John Kotter’s follow up book The Heart of CHANGE, he outlines a few basis steps that help contribute to the kind of CHANGE that makes a difference in individuals and organizations.
We’ve covered those steps here in earlier messages. Like creating the SENSE OF URGENCY, getting the VISION right, building a GUIDING TEAM, powerfully communicating the vision and empowering action.
One of those steps that can create MOMENTUM and move the process along while getting “buy-in” from the group is focusing on SHORT-TERM WINS!
If you’re a fan of most any sport you already get the picture. From game to game, from week to week, WINNING is OBVIOUS. But even in losing, momentum and progress and belief in the PROCESS can still happen.
There is no substitute though for WINNING. And creating short-term wins along the way to the big-picture goal, winning the championship, etc. is another powerful way to move the CHANGE process forward, creating momentum in the process.
Kotter cites FOUR THINGS that happen with short-term wins, only if you measure them and promote them to the group.
Wins provide feedback to your CHANGE LEADERS about the validity of their visions and strategies in the TRANSFORMATION process.
Wins give those working hard to achieve the VISION a pat on the back (recognition on a job well done) and an emotional uplift. Tom Peters says it like this “CELEBRATE what you want to see MORE OF.”
Wins build FAITH in the EFFORT. Attracting those who may not be actively engaged…YET.
Wins take POWER away from the CYNICS and DOUBTERS (which will always be a part of most any group, team or organization).
It’s somewhat akin to “The Law of THIRDS” one of the key principles I always convey to my coaching and consulting clients.
“HOW do you think this will work?” they ask. And I tell them with some degree of certainty that the LAW OF THIRDS will usually prevail.
That means that ONE THIRD will be mostly disgruntled with the “here we go again” mentality. They are the doubters, complainers and more apt to be negative or skeptical. They are NOT the early adopters.
ONE THIRD will be in the middle, undecided, listening perhaps to both sides before they make their decision. Remaining UNCHANGED, but mostly open to being convinced either way.
Ah, but then there is the ONE THIRD who will RUN AT the CHANGE PROJECT!
They’re excited about the change, about the VISION, about HOW they can play a part, maybe even a key role in the process. They are easily ENGAGED. This is the group that when the MOMENTUM or WINNING begins to happen, will put PEER PRESSURE on the other two thirds, eventually gaining buy-in from many of the others and in some cases even forcing the “nay-sayers and doubters” to leave.
I’ve seen it work over and over again. Kotter is right on with his “task list” and what can happen with SHORT TERM WINS!
Have a great week,
Michael