CHANGE IS NOT THE GOAL. THE GOAL IS THE GOAL.
The simplest way to increase the odds of a successful ‘change effort’ is to stop talking about change all together. Change is not the goal; the goal is the goal.
The idea of ‘change’ carries significant baggage – most people have scar tissue from the last change program. When we say ‘change’, often what they hear is uncertainty, loss, and extra effort. Change is also a bit esoteric; what does success look like? How will we hold ourselves accountable? What happens after we change?
For people to truly engage with you in any endeavor, they need a sense of purpose, meaning and context for that endeavor. Rather than talk about change, articulate why your goal is so critical, why it’s so critical right now, and why this person or people are the key to its achievement.
When others can see their contribution to a worthy goal, they will usually change naturally in pursuit of it.
INSPIRATION FROM OTHERS
“I always wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific.” – Lily Tomlin
“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” – Japanese proverb
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON
- How do you respond when someone asks you to change?
- How much do you talk about change Vs how much do you talk about your goals?
- What could you do differently in the future, in order to gain greater commitment from others to your goals?
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