The Only Constant in This World is Change

Insights From Organizational Communication, February 6, 2007

1. The S-Curve

When any person or organization implements change, the performance of that person or organization will follow an S-Curve; meaning that production would at first be lower as learning takes place and would eventually increase as the individual or group becomes more accustomed to the changes. This concept is very beneficial to understand for a variety of reasons. It enables us to have faith that performance will increase as we struggle through the first stages of implementing the change. Being aware of the learning curve of change also helps us to learn ways to increase the effectiveness of the learning curve, hopefully being able to shallow out the learning curve.

2. Willingness is Key

The key to effective change is the willingness of the parties involved to endure lower productivity and effectiveness during the initial learning phase of change. With all changes, a person must learn the new way of doing things. During this learning period, you will not be as effective as you have previously been. The parties involved must be willing to take the jump from effectiveness to less-effectiveness in order to learn the new skills that will eventually lead to increased effectiveness.

3. See The Big Picture

When implementing change we have to undergo a period of being less effective. This can often be stressful and depressing for the parties involved. You may have been satisfied with the way things were going in the past and have become professionally complacent in performing whatever task or duties you have chosen to undertake. This less effective period after change implementation is applicable in all aspects of life, whether they be in regards to your careers, hobbies, sports, pastimes, or any skill you are trying to improve. While this period of inefficiency can be depressing, you have to allow yourself to see the big picture which will allow you to see the end goal and purpose of the change. During the initial period of inefficiency many people will often revert back to their previous habits seeking efficiency which leads to feelings of self-worth. However, if we can see the big picture we will be more likely to endure the painful period of change as we realize that, in the long run, the change will lead to even greater efficiency than was previously known or possible.