Understanding change and applying it is important for the success of an organization. Although an organization may operate on the basis of certain standards and beliefs, those beliefs are often required to change. If an organization cannot understand change, they will not be successful. In chapter 11, Connor describes five phases of positive response to change.
The first of these phases is called uninformed optimism. This is when the group realizes something needs to be changed and are excited about trying something new. The second stage is informed pessimism. In this phase, the group tries it out and realizes that it may not work. The third phase is hopeful realism. This is when the group starts to see its benefits and starts to have confidence in it. The fourth phase is informed optimism. This is when the group has tried it and moves forward with it. The last phase is completion. This is when the group has established the change and is recruiting new members for the change.
In my organization, the Kalani High Marching Band, we have always had a great balance of music, however our marching has been lacking in recent years. This is a good way Connor’s five phases can be useful. A marching band consists of playing music and marching around the field in precise pictures. In previous years, we have used a certain type of marching that helps everyone be very precise. However, if one person or a small group of people doesn’t do it properly, then it is very noticeable. We realized that something needs to change.
(I chose to use this image because although we may not be changing as an organization, we have to change because our surroundings are changing. If organizations don’t understand change, they will suffer in the long run.)
The band director came up with a solution. This is the first phase called uninformed optimism. The band was uninformed of the change that was to come however, they were optimistic because we understood that change was necessary and was eager to start. After the director introduced it to the student staff and the student staff was able to teach it to the rest of the band, it was faced with a bit of criticism. This is the stage called informed pessimism. The band was informed about the new style of marching, but didn’t like it because it seemed a bit sloppy. However, after practicing it and getting used to the new style, the band noticed that it was easier to more precise. This is the hopeful realism stage where they understand that this could work and is excited to use it.
This is now when the fourth stage, informed optimism comes in. After the band used the style of marching for the whole season, they like it and are well informed about it. The last stage completion is now in the process where we are trying to recruit students for next year that are willing to use the new marching style.
(This is a picture of a college marching band and it is clear how important technique is to be very precise.)
It is very important for your organization to be able to understand change and Connor’s five phases of positive change is a good model to follow.
