Have you ever beat your head against a wall trying to help someone change a critical component of strategy or tactics, and then speak with someone else and almost fall over from the lack of resistance?
Charlene Li, author of Groundswell, click here to follow her on Twitter, outlined four archetypes that exist within every group. I found this extremely helpful in speaking with the right people to bring about change.
These are her four archetypes:
The Fearful Skeptic--highly critical of any kind of change, and weary that things will 'get messed up' if any pieces shift.
The Cautious Tester--Willing to adapt or integrate change, but in bite sized amounts and over a significant length of time.The Realist/Optimist--Understands the realities of the organization, and is upbeat and willing to sponsor change.
Transparent Evangelist--Sees the light but doesn't know the organization well enough to make appropriate changes
Li noted the following:
- Often times we talk to fearful skeptic to no avail but if/when a change agent can connect them to a transparent evangelist or realist/optimist they can dip into the cautious tester role.
- Change Agents need to respect the fact that all of these archetypes exist, and that none are "better" than the other (thank you Cloud/Townsend).
- Look for and take advantage of times (regional conferences for ccc staff) when various archetypes are in the same room.
Which archetype most closely describes you? Have you seen these work out in your context?
photo courtesy of gogdog
