What's the difference between Change Management and Adaptability Intelligence?

Rich at High Performance Change writes: "We're often asked about the difference between Change Management and Adaptability Intelligence, and whether they're mutually exclusive. The good news is that they're different but complementary disciplines...

rising graph in graffiti on a wall

Road testing
You could be forgiven for thinking that ‘LEJOG’ is something French fitness enthusiasts do at ‘le weekend’. But ‘Land’s End (to) John O’Groats’ represents the length of Britain, and it’s a pilgrimage for cycling enthusiasts. But to coach someone like myself who doesn’t like cycling to take on this challenge, we can compare two different approaches to change:

a) Change Management (CM) – an established business process proven to improve the success rate of projects, and
b) Adaptability Intelligence – the ability to learn how to become more adaptable to change

The Change Management approach
The burning platform: ‘Land’s End is full of tourists and there’s an Atlantic storm blowing in. Leave now!'
The vision: ‘John O’Groats has less people and stunning views.’
Celebrate short-term wins: ‘There will be a well-earned drink if you reach your planned overnight stop on time.’
Embed change: 'Enjoy the scenery and seclusion of John O’Groats.’

The Adaptability approach
You’re afraid of falling off your bike and worried about the road ahead. Apply these antidotes to combat your fears and anxieties, and you’ll be able to ride any bike, anywhere. You’ll then be able to apply stimulants to boost your love of cycling that will help you see that it’s your chance to make a difference (like inspiring others) and to find out what you’re really capable of.

Both work, so what’s the difference?
The problem with any project-based approach is that completing this ride hasn’t made me any more open to the idea of the next ride. Change Management is great at changing what I do (like a new IT system), but it doesn’t change how I think and feel about change itself.

But, having raised my Adaptability Intelligence, I’m less afraid of falling off my bike, and not so worried about the road ahead. And rather than just ‘putting up’ with cycling now, I now get that the steeper the gradient, the more chance I have to make a difference and explore my limits.

OK, time to get off my bike
Our primal self-protecting negativity bias towards change is instinctive and powerful, giving us a knee-jerk response to shoot first, ask questions later. Most of the resistance that Change Managers encounter every day has nothing to do with their project, and everything to do with people’s innate resistance to any change. Adaptability Intelligence opens people’s hearts and minds to the idea of change. Permanently.

So does this mean Change Management is dead, long live Adaptability Intelligence? Absolutely not. This isn’t about one instead of the other, it’s about one before the other, and here’s why:

Total Resistance to a Change Challenge
=
9/10ths fear & anxiety about the idea of change
+
1/10 fear & anxiety about this specific change

Raise people’s Adaptability Intelligence and they will be more open to the idea of change. And that’s enough to make any Change Manager smile.

So here’s the point
The way we’re approaching change is broken. Change isn’t a logical business process that coaxes you from A to B. It’s an emotional mindset that determines your attitude to life. It’s called Adaptability Intelligence because it’s a skill that you can develop and master. And along the way, you’ll learn things about yourself that will change your life.

Contact Rich today to learn how he can help change your employees' mindset and attitude to change to benefit your business. And if you'd like to experience the HPC Programme, why not sign up here?



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