Scientific proof that change is difficult!

By David Meier, Lean Associates

Mark,

I wanted to share two recent articles that discuss new scientific evidence related to the change process. Many of your readers who are involved in efforts to make change will appreciate the fact that change is difficult. One major take-away for everyone- the article states that no one likes change thrust upon them. It is much better to establish the overall expectation and then allow people to discover their own solutions. I think this is a key method used by Toyota. Each individuals creative effort is employed to solve problems and make improvements in ways which work best for the member and team.

Read the articles carefully and between the lines are ideas on how to help people accept change more easily. The articles state that the resistance to change is rooted in our primitive brain and is quite natural, so for all change agents out there who are facing the challenge maybe learning how to be patient as people discover their solutions is advised. For the first article in CIO magazine there is a side bar which has 10 tips for change. Be sure to check it out.

CIO Magazine: The New Science of Change

strategy+business: The Neuroscience of Leadership