Encyclopedia of Leadership

• Real or not, if a person perceivesa risk, it is real to him or her. Benefits and disadvan-
  tages must be discussed from the other person’spoint of view.


• Leaders usually focus on quadrants ➊(the need) and ➋(the benefits of the change).


• Employees often focus on quadrants ➌(the perceived dangers and discomfort of
  change) and ➍(the comfort of the familiar).


• By using this Change Window, you will be able to tell in which quadrant a person’s
  concerns and questions are located. In this way, you’ll gain insight into how best to
  respond to these questions.


• Finally, leaders need to understand that people often circle through these four quad-
  rants a few times before they are willing to commit to supporting a given change. Thus,
  patience, persistence, and a willingness to hear people’s concerns are critical for the
  successful implementation of change within organizations.

HOW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL

Calvin:“I thrive on change.”

Hobbes:“You? You threw a fit this morning because your mom put less jelly on your toast than yesterday!”

Calvin:“I thrive on making otherpeople change.”

—Bill Waterson

Think of a change that you are initiating or being asked to support within your organization.

With this change in mind, complete the Change Window. Do this from the perspective of oth-

ers in your workgroup, or from the perspective of a specific group of key stakeholders to this

change.

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1. Start by making notes in quadrant ➊about the need for the change.


2. Next, in quadrant ➋, summarize the benefits of the change.


3. In quadrant ➌, note the reservations and downsides of the change as others would see
   them.


4. Finally, in quadrant ➍, jot down why people might prefer the current situation.

Whenever possible, involve your workgroup in completing these quadrants. This will sup-

port a more lasting commitment to the change initiative.

SECTION 5 TOOLS FORLEADINGCHANGE 151

➍Advangates of the current situation

➊Disadvantages of the current situation

➋Advantages of the recommended change

[☛9.7 Selling Wheel]

➌Risks of the recommended change

[☛5.9 Resistance]

Current situation Recommended change