Ever wished for a simple recipe for change?
Beckard and Harris (1987) developed a change formula listing the factors that needs to be in place for a successful change to be implemented.
The change formula: C=[D x V x FS] > R
- C is the change that will occur
- D is the level of dissatisfaction with the status quo
- V is desirability of the proposed change - the end state or vision
- FS is the first practical steps of the change
- R is the resistance to change
The multiplication signs imply that if any one factor is not present - or zero - the equation will add up to zero and the change effort will fail.
Although this formula is attempting to put a very complex matter into a simple equation, I think it's a great reminder of what to remember assessing and planning a change process.
It makes me wonder...
- How do we create the sense of urgency and the will to change when people are pretty much happy with where they are?
- How can we create a clear picture of what the desired change consists of, especially if the change is intangible as a result of a process designed to discover the end goal along the way?
- How good are we at communicating uniquely desirable outcomes tailored to the individual key stakeholders instead of company strategy?
- Nailing the first practical steps and making them a success is easier when there's someone to do the job and tell the world about it. Who is pioneering the change? Who is supporting him/her? Who is sponsoring the change in top management?
