The Change Formula

Change is simple but not easy. Change is hard. Change takes a long time. The only constant is change. Change from within and the outside will change too. Change to keep up with the times.

Haven’t we all heard this enough? However, the million dollar question is what dictates change? What determines our ability or inability to make that change? Many models exist to model change but the one I like to use in my coaching is the Beckhard-Harris Change Model

In an equation form, the model is presented as C = [D + V + F ] > R

C = The occurrence of Change

D = Dissatisfaction with the current situation

V = Vision of the future state

F = The next immediate step that can be taken

R = Resistance to the change

Let’s take an example to illustrate how this can be put into action. Sally finds herself stagnant in her current job and wants to change. Well, she has been wanting to change for the past two years. However, she still makes the one-hour commute to her current job every week. During her commute, all she can think of is her job. Why has Sally not made a change? Why does she continue with a job that she dislikes? Let’s look at it from the lens of the change equation:

D = Dissatisfaction

Is Sally dissatisfied with her current job? You bet she is. She thinks about it all day and has to force herself to be productive at work. There is a constant nagging feeling in the back of her head that she needs to find a new job. So, her “D=Dissatisfaction” is pretty high. This is on the top of her mind consistently throughout the day.

V = Vision of the future state

Does Sally know what is the future that she is really looking for? She has not thought of it yet. All she knows is that she needs to quit her existing job. Her ideal “a day in the life” of her future job is not something that she has put a lot of thought into. It could be a similar position in another company. It could be a whole different role One of her friends had approached her to join her in a new business venture. Maybe that’s what her vision of the future looks like. Maybe not. Sally doesn’t know yet. So, her “V=Vision of the future state” is pretty low at this point.

F = The next immediate step that can be taken

Does Sally know what the immediate next step towards her vision should be? Since her vision is not clear, her next step is obviously not clear too. She spends a lot of time worrying about her situation and sporadically applies to some job positions. However, it is not a deliberate, strategic next step towards a larger goal. So, her “F=The next immediate step that can be taken” is pretty low.

R = Resistance

What are the headwinds that Sally faces towards her goal? She needs the paycheck to pay her bills. She has not changed jobs in a while and she feels that her skills might be outdated. She has some stocks waiting to vest with the current company and she would lose it all if she quits.

So, for Sally, her “R=Resistance” is pretty high.

Putting it all together through the lens of the formula, Sally will need to bump up her “V” and also bump up her “F”. At the same time, she has to keep her “D” high enough to avoid complacency. If she succeeds in doing so, she will create enough energy to overcome her “R” and that will lead to the change that she is seeking.

What about you? What change are you seeking? Why hasn’t it happened yet? Look at it through this change formula and make that change happen!