QQ: Would you prefer to be MANAGED through something, or be ENABLED to be successful at it?

Is it time to drop the term Change Management?

Let’s look at the meanings and the mindsets behind the two sets of language, against the future of change (and orgs.) we’re working towards.

Change Management
▶︎ Management: The process of dealing with, or controlling things, or people.
▶︎ Perception = an approach that emphasises guiding change from a centralised point, often involving a structured, step-by-step process for implementing change. Could be seen to be a to vs. with approach.

Change Enablement
▶︎ Enablement: The process of making someone ABLE to do something or making something possible.
▶︎ Perception = focuses on equipping and empowering people to actively participate in and contribute to the change process. Fostering a collaborative environment where, accountability partnerships are the norm and where people co-create paths to success (hello Collective Intelligence). Could be seen to be doing with vs. to.

⬆ Do you think the language and meanings matter?

I’d like to extend this thinking to Change ENABLING leadership (*beyond the role of just change practitioners and into leadership, in general).

Think: A leadership style that integrates “Change Enabling” principles into everyday leadership practices.

Change ENABLING Leaders:
▶︎ Empower their teams to take ownership of change initiatives.
▶︎ Communicate openly and transparently, fostering trust.
▶︎ Provide the necessary resources and support for successful change adoption.
▶︎ Champion a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
▶︎ Underpinned by a good dose of self-awareness, regulation and understanding of how us humans tick!

My Take? by embracing Change Enablement, we could move beyond a “Management” mindset and foster a culture of:
▶︎ CONFIDENCE: where people feel trusted and capable of handling change.
▶︎ TRANSPARENCY: with open communication that builds a sense of security and understanding.
▶︎ ADAPTABILITY: Teams become more agile and responsive to change, as they’re a part of owning it! (and have the autonomy to do so).

🔻 COMMUNITY: Would love to hear your thoughts. Helpful, or overcooking it?

#BrainsOnChange