Navigating Change: the Rider, the Elephant and the Path

I came across this change idea recently by Jonathan Haidt. He used an analogy to explain that everyone has a rational and emotional side of their brain when we see and respond to change. We’re in evolving environments where things change constantly and we as Leaders have to navigate that. This analogy provides a simple framework for you to support you in making changes to your business or team.

If you haven’t already, you know what to do:

The analogy has 3 parts for navigating change with your team.

The Rider - this represents the rational brain which is all about logic and reason. It is problem-focused, looks for patterns and makes plans. The Rider wants clarity.

The Elephant – This is the emotional brain. This seeks immediate gratification and wants to avoid pain or uncertainty. It can be easily overwhelmed and seeks reassurance.

The Path - This is the environment; the path the Rider and elephant are walking along through a change. How can you make it really smooth?

What Steps you can take to navigate Change with your Team using Jonathan Haidt’s analogy?

1. Direct the Rider (The Rational Side)

   1. Previous wins - find out what’s worked well in the past and build on that win.

   2. Script it - this can resolve resistance. Provide super clear guidance and timelines. Translate goals into specific behaviours you’re looking for. Share the roadmap.

   3. Clarity - articulating the future state with words or graphics will be really compelling and provide clarity for your team. Explain the benefits of reaching that destination.

2. Motivate the Elephant (The Emotional Side)

   1. Motivation - find out what fulfils your team and why this change will bring new opportunities for them to grow. Help manage their feelings about the change and adapt communication.

   2. Small Steps - make the change more manageable with smaller steps. It can be overwhelming and the team may be nervous or apprehensive. Small steps give everyone a sense of progress. We love progress, we all want to feel like we’re moving forward.

   3. Belief – help your team believe that they’re capable of making the change. Instil a growth mindset in them and empower them to contribute and be part of the decision-making.

3. Shape the Path (The Environment)

   1. Environment - as leaders we should all be focused on nurturing high-performing and safe environments. No different here, if you want the Rider and Elephant to navigate their new environment, make it seamless. Make it really easy for the right behaviours to occur. Remove any friction. We are a product of our environments.

   2. Group norms and values - hold people accountable for the right behaviours in line with the norms or values of the group. Recognise good behaviours publicly and others will follow.

   3. Rally the herd - find your champions, your advocates. These team members who are engaged will help others to get excited about the journey. When the majority are adopting the right behaviours the rest of the herd follows suit.

Hopefully, this simple analogy will provide a framework and help you think a little more critically when making changes with your business or team.

Send me a reply and let me know any changes you’re making or going through right now.

All the best

David

Resources Of The Week

• YouTube Video - A Tale of Change Behaviour by Rare. A commonly held belief is that human behaviour is the result of rational decision-making based on available information. A closer look into the science of behaviour reveals the powerful role our emotions play in our decision-making process. In this animated video, we look at the behaviour change process using Jonathan Haidt’s analogy of an elephant, a rider, and a path.

• Book - Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. We all know that change is hard. It's unsettling, it's time-consuming, and all too often we give up at the first sign of a setback. But why do we insist on seeing the obstacles rather than the goal? This is the question that bestselling authors Chip and Dan Heath tackle in their compelling and insightful book. They argue that we need only understand how our minds function in order to unlock shortcuts to switches in behaviour.

• TEDx Talk - Check Yourself - Charlie Johnson - Why are some people changing for the better, while others are changing for the worst?" Charlie Johnson shares how he discovered the power of self-accountability and how to push forward no matter the obstacles.

Quote of the Week

Last week’s issue: 20 Actual Ways to be a Better Leader

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