The Change Cycle in 7 Stages
Effective problem solving requires a series of stages, starting with the definition of the need and moving on to a concerted search for solution ideas and relevant resources. The Change Agent's Guide defines the seven stages of the change process as Care, Relate, Examine, Acquire, Try, Extend, and Renew.
The 7 stages of change
Stage 1: CARE
What is the concern? Who cares? How much do they care? How much should they care?
Develop some sense of what the concern is, a sense of where the system seems to be hurting, and where the need for change is most pressing. Look around and listen to what is being said by different members of the system before determining what the real concern is.
Stage 2: RELATE
Whose concern is it? Who is the client? How do we relate to them? How do they relate to each other?
Build good relationships with people you want to help.
Stage 3: EXAMINE
How do we define the concern as a solvable problem?
Spend time on diagnosis, so you can understand the real problem.
Stage 4: ACQUIRE
How do we get help? Who has resources, solutions? How do we get access to what’s out there?
With an adequate definition in hand, the change agent and the system can begin to reach out for resources that might be relevant. "Resources" come in many forms: people, finances, space, time, technology, and knowledge , especially knowledge of other change efforts, successful and otherwise. Just plain ideas can also be useful resources.
Stage 5: TRY
How do we pick the best solution? How do we put the elements together?
With a well-defined problem and an assemblage of relevant resources, the system is in a good position to choose a solution or a set of possible solutions.
Stage 6: EXTEND
How do we translate into action? Get consensus? How do we widen the circle of users?
The planned change model is inserted in the larger context of an on-going change strategy, both for the change agent and for the client system.
Stage 7: RENEW
How do we go on to repeat the cycle with this client and/or others?
The process of change is ongoing. It does not end discretely with a single project or a single cycle of activity such as we have outlined in the preceding stages.
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three Concepts for All Stages
Another way to summarize the packaged wisdom of change agentry and to manage any planned change activity is to focus on three broad areas of concern:
- Openness
- Connection
- Structure
These themes apply to any change activity, to the change team, to the people who authorize the effort, and to those affected by the change.
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The Change Agent's Guide is available in Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle eBook editions. Designed with full color illustrations in all editions, plus color tabs and a full index in the print edition, the guide is an easy to reference companion for your change journey.
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