Geographers: The Unlikely Heroes of Change Management

In the fast-paced landscape of 21st-century business, change is not just constant - it's accelerating. From technological advancements to shifts in consumer behaviour, organisations must adapt swiftly to stay ahead. Yet, amidst this flux, one often overlooked group possesses a unique skill set perfectly suited to lead the charge: geographers.

Geographers, with their expansive viewpoint and appetite for holistic understanding, are natural change practitioners.

While many disciplines adopt a reductionist approach, dissecting problems into isolated components, geographers stand out for their expansive perspective. They prioritise understanding systems as interconnected wholes, seeking out relationships and overarching patterns. This approach mirrors the essence of change management, which thrives on comprehending the intricate interdependencies within organisations and navigating them effectively.

Prosci, the global leader in change management solutions provides structured approaches focused on understanding, managing, and supporting change effectively. It is renowned for providing change practitioners with strategies and tools, that align closely with the skills of geographers:

1. Systems Thinking: Geographers, adept at analysing complex spatial relationships, excel in systems thinking—an essential component of Prosci's change methodology. They understand how various elements within a system interact and influence one another, enabling them to anticipate and mitigate the ripple effects of change. This holistic perspective is valuable in effectively planning and implementing change initiatives.
2. Stakeholder Analysis: Geographers, accustomed to considering diverse perspectives in their research and analysis, bring a nuanced understanding of stakeholders to change management initiatives. They recognise the importance of engaging stakeholders throughout the change process, aligning with Prosci's emphasis on stakeholder buy-in and involvement.
3. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Geographers are skilled in assessing and mitigating risks within dynamic environments—an invaluable asset in change management. Prosci methodology emphasises risk identification and mitigation strategies, aligning seamlessly with the risk management expertise of geographers.
4. Data Analysis and Visualisation: Geographers are proficient in data analysis and visualisation techniques, enabling them to leverage data-driven insights to inform change initiatives. Prosci advocates for evidence-based decision-making, underscoring the synergy between geographical analytical skills and change methodologies.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: Geographers, accustomed to navigating diverse terrains and adapting to changing conditions, embody the resilience needed to lead successful change initiatives. Prosci recognises the importance of adaptability in change management, emphasising the need for flexible approaches to address evolving challenges.

I indeed wonder what is the current representation of geographers among change practitioner, globally? Tim Creasey Prosci

As emergent technologies, like artificial intelligence, revolutionise the way we work, the need for adept change practitioners becomes even more pronounced. Geographers, with their interdisciplinary background and adaptability, are skillful in harnessing these technologies to support organisational change. They understand the interactions between technology, society, and the environment, enabling them to implement solutions with a human-centric approach.

Gary A. Bolles suggests we need to cultivate the right mindset, skillset, and toolset to support the 'new rules of work'. And it will be key for humans to successfully adapt quickly to this changing landscape. We must foster the mindset for dealing with continuous change, hone critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and creatively embrace emergent technologies to our advantage.

Geographers, naturally possess all of these skills.

In the United Kingdom, the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) stands as a beacon for geographical exploration, research, and education. While traditionally, the RGS has, and will continue to have strong ties to overt disciplines like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Management, Conservation or Planning, I believe there's a growing need to broaden perceptions and identify new areas for geographers to thrive. Geography's greatest asset can also be its most significant challenge: its inherent versatility and broad applicability may lead to it being overlooked. This is because its expansive scope can sometimes be perceived as lacking specificity, especially in comparison to traditional disciplines that have a more narrowly defined focus.

It's now time to shift this perception and recognise the diverse and valuable contributions that geography can make beyond its conventional associations.

Summary

Today's organisations should readily acknowledge the skills and perspectives of geographers that are uniquely suited to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing workplaces.

Linking geographical skills with change management can offer profound insights and advantages in addressing the complex challenges of change in various contexts such as environmental, social and economic systems.

Geography is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. This broad perspective enables geographers to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration in change management efforts, ensuring that diverse viewpoints and expertise are integrated into the planning and implementation phases. The geographical perspective, with its emphasis on place, space, environment, and interconnections, offers valuable tools and approaches for managing change effectively.

Geographers, with their broad skill set and holistic understanding, can play a pivotal role as change practitioners, helping to navigate the complexities of changing social, environmental, and economic landscapes.

It's time we re-frame the conventional view of the 'current state' and acknowledge geography's pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our future change endeavours.

The Change Challenge is a series of thought-provoking articles designed to provoke discussion and reflection on the challenges of managing contemporary, continuous change. Tim Price-Walker has been at the forefront of change for more than 30 years as a product pioneer, breaking new products to market for global companies, and more recently as a Prosci Change Practitioner in New Zealand with experience in both Government and non-Government organisations.

More importantly, Tim is a passionate geographer and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) which is headquartered in the United Kingdom.