The change
equation is a wonderful tool. First created by Gleicher and published by
Beckhard and Harris it was originally: C = (ABD) > X. I’m not a
massive fan of equations at the best of times but when there is only one letter
even remotely representing its intended subject I become even less enamoured.
For those that
want to know…
C = Change (good
start here as Change does begin with a C)
A =
Dissatisfaction
B = Desired state
D = First steps
X = Cost of the
change
Yep – clear as mud
really.
Thankfully, in
1992, along came Kathleen Dannemiller* who recognised this and decided to
simplify it to make it easier to remember and therefore more likely to be used.
The simplified equation is:
D x V x F > R
D =
Dissatisfaction with current state
V = Vision of what
is possible
F = First steps
that can be taken towards the vision
R = Resistance
As D,V & F are
all multiplied it only takes one of these factors to be absent for the
resistance to remain greater.
I like to
visualise concepts and find that a good visual can greatly improve
understanding. As often happens, when committing an equation, theory or method
to memory a visual sprang to my mind (and this time it was accompanied by a
tune). The image was of the famous hexagons of the Blockbuster’s board. I
could imagine the Gold Run round with the contestant frantically trying to get
across the board from one side to the other while the clock ticked.
I felt it would be
easier to explain this concept with the visual accompaniment so I have created
it for you - thank goodness for PowerPoint!. I'm afraid I wasn't able
to include the Blockbusters theme tune but if you know it then sing along.
The aim of the
game, to move from one side (in my vision - current state) to the other side
(future state) can only be achieved if you successfully pass D, V & F. You
can have as much of any one aspect as you like with no successful move forward.
For example you could keep moving up or down the D column acquiring a significant
mass of Dissatisfaction but without the other two there is no progress. Or
perhaps you have a clear and defined Vision and know your First steps but if
you simply aren’t Dissatisfied enough with the current state you will never get
close to the future state. Without all three, D,V & F then there is no
route to the future state and you will remain, quite simply, stuck.
Resistance is the
inability to get across – it is the blocks that black out and prevent progress
when you fail to correctly achieve any one block. To overcome resistance you
must find another route but there is no way to get across unless a block on
each of the three columns is achieved.
This equation can
be applied to organisational change but just as easily to any changes in life.
Should you move
house? The only way to come to the conclusion that you should move house is if
you are certain you have enough dissatisfaction with the current house, a
vision of how things could be different and an understanding of the first steps
you would need to take to achieve it. This applies to every type of change.
Try applying the
change equation to any changes you have to face and see if it works for you.
I'm using it now to decide what to do with my life and what to have for
lunch...
*Dannemiller, K.
D., and Jacobs, R. W. (1992). Changing the way organizations change: A
revolution of common sense. The Journal Of Applied Behavioral Science, 28(4),
480-498.