How to Change Culture
Luke Kuepfer • February 21, 2020
In their book “Switch,” authors Chip and Dan Heath use the analogy of a rider on an elephant heading toward a destination to describe how to change things when change is hard. Everyone has an emotional side (the elephant) and a rational side (the rider). To bring about lasting change in an organization you need to work on directing the rider while also motivating the elephant.
Focusing on the rational side of change includes looking at what’s already working and repeating it elsewhere, concentrating on actionable steps and behaviors rather than the big picture, and constantly pointing to the destination and why it’s worth getting there.
Motivating the Elephant is all about the emotions connected to change. Get people to feel deeply and positively. Next, shrink the change by breaking it down into small steps (“big” spooks the elephant!). Finally, focus on people development in a big way by growing them and giving them a sense of identity.
To arrive at the right destination, leadership must shape the path by adjusting systems to integrate the needed changes. Everyone will need help in developing new and positive habits to anchor the changes. Finally, cheering on those who get it right (others will join) will ensure positive and lasting change.
[Next week we will introduce a model for organizational culture change.]
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