Change is like Roy Kent.
Here.
There.
Everywhere.
Over the last few weeks here’s a sample of the changes people I’ve talked to are facing:
New CEO
New team members
Team members leaving
New system or upgrade of existing system
New products
Shelving old products
Moving offices
Starting or finishing a big project
Moving house
Kids starting/ finishing school
Partner retiring
Parents aging
Insert yours here______________________
So if you’re looking for a way to communicate change to your key stakeholders in every area of you life then this is a simple and effective tool. Created by Peter de Jager (and shared with me by @Carly Orr) these questions help to provide clarity and cover many of the key concerns of those we are leading through change (including ourselves!).
Why?
Understanding why a change is necessary is the most important aspect of change. Without a good answer we’re reluctant to do anything different.
WIIFM?
Our brains work very hard to keep us safe. They are constantly scanning the environment for DANGER or opportunity (yes, the DANGER looms larger than the opportunity). Answering this question helps to placate the guard dog at the gate that’s trying to keep us safe.
Monday?
What specifically will be different on Monday? Or next month or next year? Describe what we’re going to do differently in terms everyone can understand.
Won’t?
What won’t change? What will remain the same during this change? Minimise the size of the change by pointing out what’s staus quo. This calms the nerves and brings the change down to size.
Might?
What might go wrong and what’s our plan when it does? Increase trust and credibility by acknowledging that you’ve thought things through and you have an idea on how to manage the risks.
Will?
What’s going to hurt? What will be difficult or painful? If you pretend that the change will be painless, then people will know you’re lying or overly optimistic. This leads to trust going down and frustration going up.
Signposts? Milestones?
Keep the motivation going by measuring progress towards a goal. When things get slow or difficult it’s helpful to know that all the effort going in is inching you closer to the goal.
