 |
 Back To Module ListModule Main | Module Description | Instructional Outcomes | Instructional Proficiencies | Instructional EventsFacilitating Positive Attitudes Toward Collaborative Change: Module One Author Anita L. DeBoer, ED.D., Ball State UniversityTask for Completion and Discussion #2 Why People Find Change So Difficult
For those of us who have been responsible for promoting changes in our workplace (typically referred to as change agents/facilitators), we know that change is difficult for everyone involved. But it is especially difficult for colleagues who are not the promoters of a proposed change in how they currently do things. As a result, change facilitators must be accepting of and patient with colleagues as they struggle to understand the purpose and procedures of any change. If we assume a posture of, “Just do it!” we will not likely bring about acceptance. The following are some reasons why changing how we do things is difficult:
___ Substantive change usually involves failure in the initial stages. Things always get worse before they get better.
___ Substantive change is persistent, pervasive and chaotic at times.
___ Substantive change does not guarantee early success.
___ Substantive change is an uncertain mixture of danger and opportunity. To enjoy more of the opportunity and less of the risk, we need to understand the change process better.
___ Substantive change asks us to reevaluate our feelings, beliefs, values, and behaviors, in summary, our attitudes – no small or easy task.
___ Substantive change is not as technically difficult as it is emotionally difficult.
___ Substantive change involves continuous acts of courage.
___ Substantive change causes a temporary loss of security.
___ Substantive change means giving up something and making unwanted sacrifices.
___ Substantive change means giving up our safe, comfortable habits of behavior.
___ Substantive change involves fear, regret, guilt and anguish, hence, negative emotions
___ Substantive change involves a loss of identity and, often, a loss of meaning itself.
___ Substantive change is messy; it is filled with disorder.
___ Substantive change can s – t – r – e – t – c - h out for years.
___ Substantive change means discovering new lands; therefore, we must be prepared to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.
___ Substantive change usually arrives before we are ready for it.
___ Substantive change involves new ideas that can hurt our minds just as new shoes can hurt our feet.
Task for Completion and Discussion #2
Read the articles and summarize in writing your most important insights. |