13. Framing Change for Success: From Fear to Possibility

Ask Dr. Change

Leaders have a critical choice to make when initiating change. How they frame and communicate the change impacts how it’s received and embraced by the organization. Understanding the motivation behind change - whether it's a wake-up call, a threat, a vision of something different, or an inspiration - is paramount.

Our episode begins with a thought-provoking question from Charles, a seasoned change management consultant. Charles is grappling with a challenging scenario where leaders have framed a crucial change in negative, threatening terms. The fear and uncertainty this has generated are casting a long shadow over the change process. Rumors are rife, fear and anxiety fuel decision-making and communications, and progress seems to have stalled.

So, how can we navigate this situation? What strategies can we employ to shift the narrative from fear to possibility? These questions are at the heart of today's discussion.

We’ll explore the human dynamics when change is announced in compelling and positive terms versus negative terms. We’ll discuss strategies for how to turn things around if the initial launch message is threatening and delve into the rationale for leaders consciously focusing on what is possible to co-create when the outcome is successful.

To watch the full video version of this podcast, please visit AskDrChange.com.

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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:02)

2. What Starts the Need to Make a Change (00:01:15)

3. What Occurs When a Change is Communicated in Negative Terms (00:04:22)

4. How to Turn Around a Negative Situation (00:06:24)

5. What is Compelling to Stakeholders (00:11:06)

6. Pro Tip (00:16:26)

7. Personal Reflection (00:17:27)