Let’s make a change! But how?
We are all on a journey, and movement is in every cell of our being.
Today, however, to move forward together with others, we must present change and give it shape.
In our coaching programmes, we share that change wears the colours of empathy—colours that every leader should carry within.
Are we paper aeroplanes, drifting at the mercy of the wind, or are we sailboats where the wind is an ally to the course we want to set?
One variable that makes all the difference is how ready we are to embrace the perspective of others. Without others, there is no change.
First and foremost, it is worth noting this:
Change is also a matter of chemistry and biology.
A great deal depends on the chemistry of words.
Words to unlock the biology of change
How can we expect the people travelling with us to be open to change if our message sounds harsh, closed, or like a declaration of war?
When presenting our change initiative, we must use words that are open, helping others open up to possibilities. They must be clear, but above all, we need to choose fresh words, because change is also novelty, and we can welcome this perspective.
What do we need to communicate words that are:
· Open
· Clear
· Fresh
We need to listen and be receptive; we first need to understand others’ need to understand.
We can do this by distilling it into three questions to ask before any journey:
· Why me?
· Why now?
· Why us?
What are these questions made of to spark the biology of change?
· What are the real and expected benefits we see along the way?
· What kind of resources do we have, and what might we need? Do we have everything required?
· What risks, real or perceived, do we see on the path? What fears, what uncertainties?
Our perspective on change integrates into the dimension of ‘us’. That is why it must be a shared journey—one in which everyone feels they can take part.
How do people take ownership of the change we propose?
They do so when the projects we bring forward are not closed but open—or rather, waiting to be completed and co-created.
We sometimes underestimate the power of an incomplete project because it feels safer to approach others with everything already drawn in ink. Yet a dotted line creates space to be drawn by many hands.
We can fill in the lines together, and we can do so with questions. Because questions often matter far more than answers.
· What name do we give to this change? Because the wind is always stirring us, but now something is truly new
· Where is the difference that makes the difference?
· What is keeping the brake pressed down? How large is the pebble under the accelerator?
· What is this change made of? What shape does it take?
· What are the points of discontinuity with the past?
Sometimes the best answers emerge through drawing, and we can do this together, like a community moving forward.
It is said that a map holds great power to bring clarity, because our thoughts and mental models never follow a straight line. Why not draw an imaginary island to map out the milestones of change?
Let us also remember the power of thinking “as if”.
What does it really mean when we speak of the biology of change?
We have gathered countless stories, experiences, and perspectives. We know that every transformation touches us—sometimes gently, sometimes far more incisively. It carries different shades, ranging from subtle greys to vibrant reds and deep blues. We can paint them green, looking at them with hope, or bright yellow, like a glowing light bulb, brimming with energy.
Change holds emotions, fragility, and vulnerability, yet many still view organisations as places where emotions have no room.
A core belief of ours is that whatever is left unsaid cannot be resolved. Whatever we do not communicate finds no space to transform—so much so that communication and transformation are almost synonymous.
Thinking “as if” and using metaphors allow us to name things by stepping outside ourselves, giving us the right distance to see with greater clarity.
Now we can initiate change, but let us remember to return to base camp from time to time.
We need to march forward just as much as we need to pause along the trail:
We can ask ourselves:
· Where are we?
· How are we doing?
· Do we need to recalibrate?
· Let us celebrate our successes, broaden our horizons, and bring change to fruition.
The very experience of moving forward leads us to recalibrate, tune in, and keep advancing.
