The Change Resistors: Brain Based?

Ellen Weber, of Brain Based Business, covers another reason people might “resist” change in her post: When Workers Refuse to Act on Great Change Ideas – It’s a Brain Thing.

“When the brain registers an idea it goes into the short term or working memory. Think of your working memory as a fine wine glass where new wine is poured daily... Since only a few ounces of wine fit into your wine glass…each time you pour in new ideas or actions that are unrelated to the old ones there, the older ones are replaced.” 

“After time, a well reinforced plan or idea will make its way to your brain’s basal ganglia which stores your many routines – or things you do with little effort.” [Emphasis added]

So, how do we facilitate the movement of ideas from working memory to routine memory?

“Your brain kicks into gear for lasting changes when ideas move into actions and then into rewards for excellence”. [Emphasis added]

Interestingly, here are a few tried and true methods for structuring a successful change effort that completely support Ellen’s points: 

1. Create an internal marketing plan as well as a properly executed communication plan - both of which repeatedly expose the organization to new concepts, tactics, and expected results from varying perspectives.
2. Cut a long-term plan into multiple short-term objectives. Allowing people to experience frequent success (even on a smaller scale) will help build momentum and reinforce change objectives (and success is its own reward!).
3. If a change in tools or processes is required, train participants as closely to implementation as possible. People trained weeks before they need to actually do something differently will not have as much success.
4. Formally, informally, publicly and privately reward the right behavior! Align formal incentives. Offer praise. Create recognition forums.

Do you have any more suggestions or thoughts on the brain’s role in successful change?

Previous Posts in this series: A Collaborative Series, Outline, Culture, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Passive-Aggressive Behavior, Decision Avoidance, Snipers, Skeptics, Leadership’s Resolve

Technorati tags: Ellen Weber , Change Resistors, Change Management, Brain Based Business

Comments

[Ajay Singh Niranjan]

Dear Michael ,

Very beautiful insight about Idea vs Memory vs Mind vs Wine vs Glass.

It is like programming of mind ….

After deprogramming of mind …. We can easily facilitate right change in the organisation. But it is a very difficult task.

Warm regards & thanks
Ajay Singh niranjan

http://greathumancapital.wordpress.com/join-vipassana-meditation-course/

http://greathumancapital.wordpress.com/tag/change-management/

[ann michael]

Hello Ajay!

Ellen did find a great metaphor with the wine glass!

Thanks for stopping by!
Ann