Spicing Up the Change Equation(An Affectionate Homage to the Pioneers)

Developed and Presentedby

Murad Salman Mirza Senior Vice President

(Client Advocacy & Organizational Effectiveness)APAC & EMEA Regions

Table of Contents

• Objective• Introduction• The Original Change Equation• The Simplified Change Equation• The Modified Change Equation• Explanation of Modified Terminology• Parting Advice

Objective

• This presentation provides a fresh perspective on the pioneering change equation, created by David Gleicher and propounded by Richard Beckhard, to increase the success probability of momentous and palatable change in progressive organizations

Introduction

• Meaningful organizational change is the result of an optimum mix of several catalytic factors. Some of them are internal and largely controllable, whereas, others are external and primarily uncontrollable due to their susceptibility to outside influences. The desire to elevate an organization to a preferred level has the nobility of purpose which demands replenishment with fresh ideas. Consequently, the change equation deserves another look at being adjusted for further robustness as a facilitative tool in countering the high incidences of failure rates in organizations trying to attain the change objectives.

The Original Change Equation

• Following is the original Change Equation**, also known as Gleicher’s Formula, that was created by David Gleicher and promulgated by Richard Beckhard:

• C = A*B*D > X– C = Successful Change– A = Status quo dissatisfaction– B = Desired clear state– D = Practical steps to the desired state– X = Cost of the change

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_for_Change

The Simplified Change Equation

• The original change equation**, also known as Gleicher’s Formula, was further simplified as follows:

• C = D*V*F > R– C = Successful Change– D = Status quo dissatisfaction– V = Vision of what is possible– F = Initial concrete steps taken to achieve vision– R = Resistance to change

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_for_Change

The Modified Change Equation

• Following is the modified change equation proposed by me:

• C = A*I*R*CLAP > IC + EC– C = Successful Change– A = Aligned Realization for Change– I = Insightful Visualization of desired state– R = Robust Methodology to enable change– CLAP = Conscientious Learning and Application Propensity– IC = Internal Challenges to Change– EC = External Challenges to Change

Aligned Realization to Change (A)

• This refers to the pervasiveness of a continuous improvement mindset within the fabric of a progressive organization. It has to go beyond the reactive temperament of ubiquitous dissatisfaction with the status quo as a primary driver for change. Such an impetus requires a proactive disposition that derives its strength from Frederick Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory* that postulates the principle of ‘Absence of Dissatisfaction Doesn’t Equal Satisfaction’. Therefore, the case for creating an ‘Urgency to Change’ should be based upon the unrelenting and congruent organizational desire to excel, regardless of the status quo, through appropriate means by nullifying the idiom of ‘if it ain’t broke; don’t fix it’ and embodying the ‘disruptive’ approach.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-factor_theory

Insightful Visualization of Desired State (I)

• This refers to stepping away from the abyss of defining an idealistic vision that projects the ‘mirage’ for embarking upon doomed initiatives. It requires due diligence of an organization’s capabilities with respect to the ‘mobilizable’ resources, availability of ‘prodigious’ talent and prevalence of ‘scrumptiously’ favorable factors for business in the foreseeable future. It demands an ‘enlightened’ leadership that is cognizant of its organizational strengths and is endowed with the humility to accept shortcomings with a ‘productive’ attitude that incentivizes progressive behaviors. It is manifested in the form of a documented map, easily understood and fervently supported by key stakeholders, of the desired possibilities that reflect a realizable state of ‘significantly elevated’ achievements within an acceptable margin of error.

Robust Methodology for Change (R)

• This refers to the incisive and systematic approach in managing change with associated risks through clearly delineated steps by either deploying a proven model by prominent thought leaders/practitioners, e.g., Kurt Lewin, John Kotter, Jeff Hiatt, etc., or developing a customized version that is imbued with the specific organizational dynamics. It should exhibit the resistive capabilities of ‘Teflon®’, in terms of deflecting all forms of passive and active resistance. It should be well understood by its proponents and have the ‘osmotic’ properties to seep into the organizational culture as a key enabler of excellence. It should have the longevity to outlast ‘fad-surfing’ and represent the ‘Kevlar®’ that easily defeats the noticeable/subtle/disguised FUD* attacks from ‘Machiavellian’ forces vying to plot, program and pronounce its failure.*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt

Conscientious Learning and Application Propensity (CLAP)

• This refers to the collective set of vibrant employee behaviors that symbolize the proclivity to achieving successful change and are the extrinsic manifestations of an integrity-driven demeanor that harnesses positive attitudes with the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to achieve desired goals. The tendency to bring about meaningful change is an intrinsic humanistic characteristic that varies in its intensity from one employee to another due to inherent individualistic complexities/extenuating circumstances. Consequently, it has more weight over the ‘mechanized’ actualization of leadership dictates, that are ceremoniously disguised within the emblems of organizational solidarity through a publicized ‘buy-in’ from ‘accommodating’ employees fearful of backlash from ‘lurking’ power brokers. A key success factor to watch in this context is the ‘extravagant’ display of organizational citizenship behaviors.

Internal Challenges (IC)

• This refers to the passive and active resistance aspects that prop up during various stages of the change cycle from within the organization. They can either be unintentional or intentional in nature, e.g.,

Passive Resistance Active Resistance

Playing by the book Writing petitions to senior leadership

Fomenting the grapevine Taking legal recourse

Proliferating absenteeism Instigating Industrial actions

Perpetuating Procrastination Resurrecting contractual disputes

Diluting the communication channels Siding with influential dissenters

Contaminating employee surveys Sabotaging performance appraisals

Anonymous negative blogging Soliciting client/customer complaints

Misalignment of individual aspirations Clashing of subcultures

External Challenges (EC)

• This refers to the passive and active resistance aspects that prop up during various stages of the change cycle from outside the organization. They can either be unintentional or intentional in nature, e.g.,

Passive Resistance Active Resistance

Resentful professional associations Political pressures

Disinformation by opportunistic competitors

Community backlash

Unanticipated changes in legislation Industrial Union lawsuits

Misgivings from religious/cultural ambassadors

Spirited protests from lobbyists/activists

Exploratory Investigations from regulatory agencies

Resource shortages from jittery suppliers/sub contractors

Slowdown in economic activity Media trials of senior leadership

Parting Advice

Don’t Forget to ‘CLAP’Your Way to Success!