It's all about the journey

Change is everywhere, it is the only thing that is certain (other than tax and death !)

So often we are on TV these days we hear people talking about the "journey". It's all about the journey. So if you had the choice between

a driver you knew and trusted who had a clear and current road map, in a well maintained vehicle, on a well maintained road with clear signposts to the required destination, with good visibility

vs

a driver you don't know who doesn't have a map, on a narrow windy road on the side of a steep mountain, in a poorly maintained vehicle.... and on top of that you had to wear a blindfold

which journey would you want to take ?

It's a bit of a leading question I know, although your appetite for risk may affect the answer !

I've come across a couple of articles in change management recently. In all likelihood such articles are always out there but I noticed them because it is a hot topic for me right now.

10 key principles of change management

and this you tube video 1 minute guide to Change Management

One of the key aspects of the first part of change management is setting out the vision. Now this may be done in many different ways. For example you could paint the picture of the future in terms of the positive destination you are aiming for. Or you could describe the "armageddon view" of what will happen if there is no change. Either way you are setting out the journey, providing a roadmap, maybe even describing some of the route. And in doing so you are establishing what kind of a driver (or leader) you are.

If you don't take this step, the journey planned may be no different - but the people you are taking on that journey have no idea of where they are going, what they may encounter on the journey, or how to prepare for that journey. And all of those fellow passengers will have their own personal appetite/tolerance for risk.

It becomes kind of obvious why this is the first step in change management, assuming you want your fellow travelers to make the journey with you.... doesn't it ?