5.5
CHANGE WINDOW: A BALANCEDAPPROACH
TO WINNING SUPPORT FOR CHANGE
Inspired by Marvin Weisbord and numerous other sources.“Resistance to change” is by far the most quoted reason why change doesn’t succeed. Yet if you
ask people, “How could we improve things around here?” more often than not they will rhyme
off a number of changes they would like to see. They perceive that the upsides of theirdesired
changes will outweigh any downsides. All change is double-edged, and involves a range of
benefits, disadvantages, and risks. This tool will help you plan change in a balanced and holis-
tic way, with a view to increasing the commitment of others to the change.
THE CHANGE WINDOW
POINTS TO CONSIDER
- People are often skeptical of change because they have been sold a bill of goods in the
past. That is, emphasis was placed on the needfor change and the benefitsof change,
while little attention was paid to the risks, limitations,or disadvantagesof the change. - The point of the Change Window is to put needs, benefits, risks, and reservations into
perspective. Leaders seeking long-term commitment to a change must clarify issues in
all four quadrants.
150 SECTION 5 TOOLS FORLEADINGCHANGE
➍Advantages, pros, benefits of the way things present-
ly are:Comfort of the familiar(Even if the current situation is painful, many find comfort
in the familiar: “The devil you know is better than the devil
you don’t know.”)
➊Risks, disadvantages, and downsides of the way
things presently are.Problems with status quo(The need for change often starts here. It is much harder to
start change when things are perceived to be going well.)➋Advantages, pros, benefits of the recommended
change.Benefits of the change(A leader often sees and stresses only the benefits of the
change.)
➌Risks, disadvantages, and downsides of the recom-
mended change.Reservations and concerns
about the change(People’s first reaction is often to experience and express the
downsides of the change.)Current situation Recommended change