One of the foundational guiding principles of our company is to openly share any and all resources we use in our work with everyone interested in applying it to themselves, their work or their community initiatives. Our caveat is that we only share tools and resources that align with the way we approach our work – through relationships and through a systems thinking lens.
A resource that totally aligns with the way we practice is Change Happens, by M. Beth Page. This gem arrived with the package of materials for my Strategic Human Resource and Organizational Development Management Graduate Certificate in which started in January 2020. As a long time Organizational Development (OD) consultant and former instructor of organizational behaviour this book references material from all the legendary OD authors. However, the best part of her guide to navigating change using the 5C Model is the approach to leveraging the value of the human dimension lens which is the core of the model.
Inclusion of the human dimension aligns with our philosophy in working with our clients on change initiatives, which is to ensure that their employees and other key stakeholders are extended invitations to join in providing inputs, ideas and creative solutions. The 5C Model is for you “…if you are seeking to navigate a change initiative that demonstrates respect for the employees, builds trust amidst ambiguity of the change and invites employees to get involved and claim ownership of the change…”.
Invitations. Inputs. Ideas. Creative solutions. Respect. Trust. Involvement. Ownership. These are all things that likely resonate with the humans in your organizations that come to work every day hoping to make a difference. Allowing them to be part of a significant organizational change initiative or visioning the next iteration of your organization can be a very powerful experience. And this guide provides practical advice, potential pitfalls, tools and resources that are presented in a very easy to understand manner. Having been a part of many a change journey, it is so apparent in the authentic manner in which she speaks, the guidance and examples she provides – that Beth gets it!
On a personal note, I look forward to the opportunity to learn with Beth at Royal Roads University, and to add her to a long list of mentors, colleagues and clients that have been my teachers throughout my professional (and life) journey.
In closing we share Beth’s insight: “It (the model) is simple and as we all know simple does not always mean easy”. We hope the model will be helpful to you at this point in your journey. But know, we are always willing to connect over coffee to discuss how OBD might be companions on the next leg of your leadership, learning or change journey!
Reference: Change Happens: Your Guide to Navigating Change Using the 5C Model (2011)
Recent Comments