What A Rock Can Teach You About Leading Change

There's a big new idea you want to implement. Or just a shift in team dynamics you want to create.

Lofty or manageable, along with most change comes resistance. It's part of human nature that's inherent to the process.

Looking at the shape of the rock--or perhaps it's more of a boulder size--will help you visualize the task at hand and how to formulate your approach.

Here's what to know:

Every rock has its own shape.

Pointy edges, smooth planes, rough spots, divots, lumps. Maybe a lot of moss, too, if it hasn't moved recently.

When you want to push that heavy rock uphill from its spot of inertia, you have to be attuned to the peculiarities of its shape.

What is it about the rock's shape that could make it easier or harder to move? Will you need help moving it? Is there a time of day, a season of the year, or a weather condition that might make it easier to move given its shape?

Weigh effort versus timeline, and whether you can accept the consequences of the approach you choose.

Pushing it this direction will take less effort but might take longer to get it there. Forcing it that way is a more direct path, but given its shape, you could break your back doing it. And that other option, well, you could lose your grip and it could roll right back over you.

Moving rocks is no easy task.

You can use the same framework when you're leading change.

1. Examine the unique features and variables of the situation. Personalities, perspectives, funding, workload, willingness resistance.
2. Factor those in when you're determining your approach. Will your timeline allow for individual conversations to listen to concerns? Or are edicts from on high necessary to jumpstart it? Does your approach leave a path of relationship carnage in its wake? Or does it build trust and confidence?
3. Make sure you implement safety measures, because those rocks can be unwieldy. (Don't go rogue, do shore up the buy in, check your own emotions.)

Move the rock in the way it rolls and you will have a more lasting result that also preserves your energy along the way.