I’ve recently shared a theoretical approach that I have used over the years in sport and business, which I’ve proposed as an integrative framework for change practitioners.
I’ve also been reading and thinking about Change Capability / Capacity, which is characterised by the collective ability of the organization to respond to anticipated or existing conditions and create lasting change.
What is Change Capability?
Change Capability is much wider than change management. It incorporates change leadership, but is more of a cultural phenomenon, supported by people, processes and technologies (e.g. Judge, 2011).
Based on the eight states of Reversal Theory, I’m putting together a framework for developing change capability. The key principles are:
- Each and every capability dimension is important – the more strengths the better
- Versatility is also important – being able to utilise the right strengths at the right time to meet the demands of the change (this is not a process)
- Overplaying certain strengths at the expense of others can turn them into weaknesses – so balance is important (I will expand on this another time).
Proposed Dimensions of Change Capability
- Focusing is.. ..getting people organised and working towards a commonly understood and accepted vision
- Accepting is.. ..being open to and respoding to changes in the strategic or tactical environment
- Challenging is.. ..constantly questioning, even being intolerant of the status quo in the search for better ways of working
- Experimenting is.. ..giving time, space and safety for new and radical ideas to be explored and developed
- Executing is.. …determined and disciplined action, persistence, clear accountablility and sponsorship for change
- Involving is.. ..delegating responsility, involving employees in decisions and creating opportunity for growth
- Caring is.. ..taking account of the emotional needs and well-being of individuals during change
- Connecting is.. ..valuing relationships and collaboration, encouraging identification with team, colleagues and a greater good
Judge, W.Q. (2011) Building Organizational Capacity for Change: The Strategic Leader’s New Mandate. Business Expert Press.
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