By Deborah Bruce
Chip and Dan Heath have another best-seller—Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. It’s a fascinating read, full of wonderful examples and real-life situations.
Why is change hard? The authors help us understand that the rational, logical side of our brain often competes with the brain’s emotional, instinctive side. They tag the brain’s emotional side as the headstrong Elephant, and the rational side, the Rider. Those images make it abundantly clear that no matter how fantastic the Rider’s vision of change is, the Elephant won’t turn in that direction without encouragement. The rational side wants to lose those extra pounds. The emotional side wants the ice cream. The rational side wants our congregation to begin a new ministry program. The emotional side is perfectly happy with things they way they are.
Riders and Elephants at their worst. But don’t assume that Riders are the good guys, and Elephants prevent change. At their worst, Riders become paralyzed by choice—they spin their wheels in the face of too many options. And they can seem dry and dull—all analysis and no feeling—or negative—always focusing on the problems. At their worst, Elephants are fearful, resistant, and spooked by the possibility of change. They go for short-term satisfaction and are easily demoralized by bigger quests. Yet feelings inspire and motivate Elephants. And Elephants possess incredible strength and drive.
Shaping change. Change can happen when the Rider and Elephant trust one another; when the Rider directs the Elephant toward an appealing destination and shapes the path to get there. The authors show that Shaping the Path is the third key element in change. What appears to be a people problem (they don’t want to change) may instead be a situation problem. Changing the situation—Shaping the Path—makes change more likely.
Find the bright spots. I particularly appreciate the authors’ suggestion to find the bright spots. Just as we encourage congregations to identify and build on their strengths, the book advocates finding bright spots. Learning what already works and doing more of it gives the Rider direction and helps motivate the Elephant.
The book includes many rich illustrations of successful change in family life, communities, medicine, industry, education, and government. These examples help the reader learn how to Direct the Rider, Motivate the Elephant, and Shape the Path. I came away with a new language for discussing change and lots of practical ideas. I’ve already tried a couple with my husband—successfully I might add!
How might you use these practical tools to make changes in your congregation?
Read the first chapter here. I know you’ll want to read the rest!
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