What does it take to truly change an association?
Some say explain why we have to change.
Some say provide a vision.
Some say make us feel something.
Yes, we have to do this and we have to do more. It can’t be just talk.
Some say model the change.
Some say provide the first few steps.
Some say foster discussions about why we have to change.
Yes, we do this too. What is next?
Some say reward for the change you want to see.
Some say recognize the folks that try.
Some say be the ambassador or advocate for the change.
Yes, we have to do all of this and we have to do more. It’s more than talk and action because real change is slow.
Change takes time so we have to be patient.
Change is fickle so we have to apply consistent pressure.
Change does not want to stick so we can’t do anything to derail the progress made.
Yes, we have to do this too. But how do you change the unchangeable? What if these twelve ideas for change haven’t worked alone or in combination. What then?
Maybe build unity within the tribe.
Maybe find advocates in the tribe who want the change too, so
Maybe the social pressure pushes everyone else toward the change.
Malcolm Gladwell introduces this topic in his new podcast Revisionist History. The whole series is wonderfully thought provoking and if you are interested in change, start with episode 3: The Big Man Can’t Shoot.
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