In
writing the previous post, Manage
to Change Manifesto, this statement didn’t make the cut:
Motivation
comes from within.
I will be enthusiastic
and passionate about change, but I cannot motivate someone else. Everyone’s motivation to act comes from
within them selves.
Do
you think this statement is true?
Do
you have any examples (one way or the other)?
I
have mixed feelings on this one and I’d really love some opinions.
Thanks Blaine – I think you just got to the core of the issue.
My husband has been telling me I should write for YEARS now. A good friend was telling me to blog for a few years too – I just got around to both this February – because I was finally ready to change. I was able to see the benefits and get past my self-inflicted obstacles!
Thanks for the perspective.
Great question and comments!
Those in positions of power or authority (parents, teachers, bosses, police) can certainly use incentives and coercion to motivate others to change. Peer-pressure can also cause such motivation. Although the individual would make the actual change, much of the motivation can be generated externally.
In the absence of authority, however, I think your statement is right. We can encourage, coax, and model behavior, but the individual has to be in the state of readiness that Philippa describes.
Example: A team member shares several tips and tricks that could improve the use of e-mail among team members (such as listing “FYI only” or “Action needed” in the subject line). Any number of steps can be taken to get all team members to change their e-mail habits, but only the person typing the subject line will ultimately decide whether the improvements get adopted.
Philippa – WOW. I’m so glad I have such smart friends.
I think that one of the problems in organizations is that one group might be in “Preparation” or “Action” while others are in “Pre-Contemplation” or “Contemplation”.
And… even if everyone gets to the same state (or close), an environment of respect is so important. We all have to try and understand how each of our functions adds value and fits in to the big picture.
Change initiatives are like conducting an orchestra – you have to get everyone to play the same page but respect that they’re all playing different instruments!
Yup – I think it is mostly true, although behavior change is complex. This is borne out by the behavior change research. We are at different stages of “readiness to change”, according to James Prochaska (of “Changing for Good” fame), and in order for others to motivate us to change, they need to match their “intervention” (such as a public service announcement, or doctor’s advice or consultant’s advice) to the stage that we are in.
The five stages are: Precontemplation (not even considering change), Contemplation (considering it with no start date), Preparation (ready, with a start date), Action (started) and Maintenance (keeping going).
When the intervention designed to stimulate change is well-matched to the stage, then there is a greater likelihood of at least moving the person to the next stage!
Interesting – I suppose the issue is that I might be able to cause someone to act, but: 1) I can’t be sure what that action will be (had you been someone else you might have punched the “umbrella poker”!), and 2) how do I move from causing an isolated act to having someone take on a cause or a path and proliferate it?
We might each be able to cause an immediate reaction – but in order to implement and sustain changes in an environment, each player needs a longer term commitment or belief in that course of action. That’s what I was calling “motivation”.
(I’m cringing at my own wording because the biggest part of change management is putting yourself in the other guy’s position to understand the change impact fully and then attempting to manage issues from there – not “inflicting” your views on them and getting them to accept those views as their own.)
I’m sure I’m splitting hairs here – but it’s the nuances that get us every time!
Thanks for your insights, Mike!
Ann
I’m at Panera drinking a cup of coffee and reading a book.
I don’t notice you walk in, but you saunter up and poke me with your umbrella.
I’m immediately motivated to say “Hey”, and as I do, I recognize your smile, and I’m inclined to smile right back atcha.
I was twice motivated to an action due to the stimulus you provided.
Thanks for motivating this thought:-)