Finding the feeling moves beyond merely knowing things

Change only happens when people feel something.

…in almost all successful change efforts, the sequence of change is not ANALYZE-THINK-CHANGE, but rather SEE-FEEL-CHANGE. You’re presented with evidence that makes you feel something. It might be a disturbing look at the problem, or a hopeful glimpse of the solution, or a sobering reflection of your current habits, but regardless, it’s something that hits you at the emotional level. It’s something that speaks to the Elephant.^[1]

This suggests that the left hemisphere of the brain (which tends to be more analytical) is more likely to prevent change by persisting in (over-)analysis, and change is more likely to be driven by the right side of the brain (which tends to be more intuitive and emotional). Perhaps it is for this reason that divergent ideas come from the right brain. While feelings drive change, lasting, effective change is associated with positive emotions.

Bottom line: If you need quick and specific action, then negative emotions might help. But most of the time when change is needed, it’s not a stone-in-the-shoe situation.^[2]

#psychology #change-management

Motivating the Elephant:

• Find the Feeling
• Shrink the Change
• Grow Your People