Planning Management: Managing Change
Linking in with risks from the last post, changes represents more variables with which planners would have to deal with. Change management then represents a means of controlling how change occurs, doing so in a systematic and deliberate way as a means to reduce risk and uncertainty - but perhaps more importantly, to increase the likelihood of success. In meshing with other management skills, creativity plays a vital role in having a successful change management plan.
The force field analysis, provides a means for the identification of the forces for change. We see circumstances which reacts either for or against the status quo, these can then again be divided into internal circumstances, as well as external circumstances. In essence, this is a tool which allows for meaningful representation of both pros and cons for any single action. Each identified quality for both sides is then allocated a numerical value, once this is done, a quick calculation can reveal whether a particular action is viable. For further explanations see here.
Once decided (or when it is thrusted upon you), a transition curve can be used to explain people’s reaction to change. 
Source: Jisc infoNet
The transition stages, helps us to inform ourselves on why we react the way we do to change. Realising where you are on the curve can help us to react in an appropriate manner.
Endings
The endings stage is the culmination of the previous status quo, it is at this stage that we most often experience resistance. Factors leading to resistance can include Lack of training: vested interests in the status quo; fear, lack of self confidence, being overwhelmed by the change; lack of trust in management; or lack of information.
Neutral
This is perhaps one of the most crucial stages. Here, we begin to respond to the requirements of implemented by the new change. How we react in the long term can be largely shaped here. Often chaotic as things are still not settled, we need to be well supported so that we can move on successfully, but, this uncertainty also presents an opportunity for unique and creative responds to occur as the shackles of the status quo has been thrown out and some new can take its place.
New Beginnings
The New Beginnings stage is when people are ready to commit to the new direction and the change. Usually once some of the goals has been achieved, people begin to feel secure in the new structure and are ready to settle in.
Of course, the transition curve has have a few caveats:
- There is no right or wrong sequence, people respond to the curve differently, even repeating certain sections.
-Teams may travel the curve together but will reach the beginnings seperately according to the individual.
Change Strategy
As part of the classroom exercise, we each identified a ‘problem’ of which we would form a change strategy. For myself, I realised my management of money is one of my greatest weakness (curse my skewered notion of the worth of a dollar). This wasn’t an immediate threat (my finances has yet to descend unto such levels), but a problem I would like to address nonetheless.
-At the core of the problem, my savings constitute far less than I would like, approximately 30% of my income.
-A quick application of the force field analysis (and some psuedo-intellectual application of some economic terms), one concludes the benefits of sustained and robust savings out weighs the utils from being a spendthrift. Should this problem be resolved, I would like to think there is a greater security of mind for my future, being financially secure is a strong impetus for my culture (cultural competency!).
-Consequently three practical steps has been identified to help:
- Switch to a cash only basis for day-to-day spending: In doing so, the physical, textile reminder makes the amount much more tangible. Whatsmore, it becomes hard to spend money you simply do not have at hand. I have limited myself a weekly allowance of 40 dollars, with any remainder rolling over for next week.
- Apply for debit card, and use that rather than a credit card: shopping online constitute one of my major expenditures. Similar to above, its impossible to spend money you don’t have!
- Open a long-term savings account which will hold most of my money: In opening an account where the high interest offered is lost if money is withdrawn, there is stronger incentive for me to not touch it.
I am proud to say, that I have actually completed all three steps, I think I can confidently say that there is some result, but habits are hard to break. Bus fare is hard to factor in as I will adjust it according to my daily needs, but other than that, I think I can begin to change my ways.
