1.5 - About University

5.5C HANGE W INDOW: A BALANCED A PPROACHTO W INNING S UPPORT FOR C HANGEInspired by Marvin Weisbord and numerous other sources.“Resistance to change” is by far the most quoted reason why change doesn’t succeed. Yet if youask people, “How could we improve things around here?” more often than not they will rhymeoff a number of changes they would like to see. They perceive that the upsides of their desiredchanges will outweigh any downsides. All change is double-edged, and involves a range ofbenefits, disadvantages, and risks. This tool will help you plan change in a balanced and holisticway, with a view to increasing the commitment of others to the change.T HE CHANGE WINDOWCurrent situation➍ Advantages, pros, benefits of the way things presentlyare:Recommended change➋ Advantages, pros, benefits of the recommendedchange.Comfort of the familiarBenefits of the change(Even if the current situation is painful, many find comfortin the familiar: “The devil you know is better than the devilyou don’t know.”)➊ Risks, disadvantages, and downsides of the waythings presently are.(A leader often sees and stresses only the benefits of thechange.)➌ Risks, disadvantages, and downsides of the recommendedchange.Problems with status quoReservations and concernsabout the change(The need for change often starts here. It is much harder tostart change when things are perceived to be going well.)(People’s first reaction is often to experience and express thedownsides of the change.)P OINTS TO CONSIDER• People are often skeptical of change because they have been sold a bill of goods in thepast. That is, emphasis was placed on the need for change and the benefits of change,while little attention was paid to the risks, limitations, or disadvantages of the change.• The point of the Change Window is to put needs, benefits, risks, and reservations intoperspective. Leaders seeking long-term commitment to a change must clarify issues inall four quadrants.150 SECTION 5 TOOLS FOR LEADING CHANGE