I was recently asked about a problem facing teams and leaders today, the topic was leading change. While no change is the same and best practices for one change or group may have disastrous results in a different environment, I have found it helpful to think about change through a framework of Accelerate, Adapt and Anchor.
If you are introducing change, the first thing I recommend you do is think about what it is you are trying to change and why. You will need to identify who can champion the change and who will need extra encouragement, instruction and knowledge to get on board with the change. Your communication plans will need to include messaging for different communication styles and a repetition to ensure receipt of messaging.
With those things in place, think about what needs to change and what doesn’t and include that in your messaging as well. Below are some thoughts on when to accelerate, adapt and anchor as you lead change.
Accelerate when:
The change needed is urgent.
Requirements to Accelerate include clarity of:
- Purpose
- Instruction
- Messaging
- Behaviors expected
Adapt when:
The “accelerated change” is underway or you need to adjust something that is partially working.
Requirements to adapt include:
- Agency or autonomy for changers over how change is implemented
- Clarity of communication
- Psychological safety
- Plan for operationalizing change
Anchor when:
Things don’t need to change or teams are feeling overwhelmed with change.
Anchor on things like Values, Mission
Requirements to Anchor include:
- Providing re-assurance
- Clear communications
- Creating/retelling of shared experiences
- Restating of common values and purpose
If you need help with creating clarity around change in your organization – visit my website at https://www.ridgelinecoaching.com or email me at nikki@ridgelinecoaching.com.
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