Do you know how to flip the "Switch" to change human behavior?
Kimberly Douglas • Aug 07, 2019
Change is hard - but Switch authors Chip & Dan Heath have some great advice to make it a little easier.
Here is their simple metaphor.
The brain has two sides: the emotional side (Elephant) and the rational side (Rider)
.
Imagine a Rider sitting atop an Elephant. Individual change (and thus organizational change) happens when the Elephant and the Rider move in the direction you want. Shaping the Path means making the change easier by removing barriers to change.
Not only is the metaphor powerful and easy to understand, but so are the steps you can take as a change leader to put these ideas into practice.
Here are the three main components of the Switch model
- and how you can apply these powerful lessons:
Direct the Rider:
Find the "bright spots" (what's working) and clone it. Don't think big picture, think in terms of specific behaviors . Change is easier when you know where you're going and why it's worth it.
Motivate the Elephant:
Knowing something isn't enough to cause change; make people feel something. Build a sense of momentum through early, visible successes; create "mini-wins". Cultivate a sense of identity and instill the growth mindset.
Shape the Path:
When the situation changes, the behavior changes; so change the situation. When behavior is habitual, it's "free" and doesn't tax the Rider. Look for ways to encourage habits. Behavior is contagious; help it spread.
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