Mastering the Change Curve Starter Kit Author:Dennis T. Jaffe, PhD and Cynthia D. Scott, PhD It's clear recurring change is the norm in organizational life today. Still, most of us have difficulty dealing with it. Experts in the field of change management, Drs. Jaffe and Scott describe change as a natural progression through 4 phases. To successfully master change, individuals must pass through all 4 phases: Denial, Resistance, Explor... more »ation, and Commitment. Mastering the Change Curve uncovers individual reactions to change and provides an understanding of how behavior affects success.
Learning Outcomes
Pinpoint one s current stage in the change process
Understand the 4 phases of change
Identify productive and nonproductive change behaviors
Develop a strategy for mastering change
Theory
Drs. Jaffe and Scott are experts in the field of change management. The authors describe change as natural progression through a series of four phases: Denial, Resistance, Exploration, and Commitment. To successfully deal with change, employees must pass through all 4 phases.
The Change Curve Model is based on the following principles of change:
Change is an ongoing process rather than an event.
There is a progressive sequence of change behaviors that needs to be experienced and mastered to be effective in handling change.
Seemingly negative behaviors such as denial, apprehension, anger, and resistance, are normal and adaptive elements in the change process.
There are specific strategies available to increase change mastery.
The progression through the phases of change represents an opportunity for growth and responsible risk taking.
More detailed information about the theory used in Mastering the Change Curve is included in the Facilitator Guide.
How it Works
Mastering the Change Curve can be self-administered and self-scored. Individuals are asked to respond to 24 statements. Results reveal which of the 4 Change Curve phases they are in. Response time takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Scoring can be completed in 5-10 minutes; scoring of the e-Assessment version is automatic.
Mastering the Change Curve includes descriptions of each change phase, as well as tips and action planning questions that help individuals move through the phases of change.
Uses for Mastering the Change Curve
Mastering the Change Curve is appropriate for individuals at any organizational level who are experiencing continuous change. The most appropriate target audience consists of individuals who are subject to change they did not initiate themselves.
Additional uses include:
As a method of monitoring change when signs of resistance or difficulty have surfaced
As a measurement to monitor and track progress through a change
To help individuals understand their responses to change and plan ways to move through phases with which they may be having difficulty
As a basis of discussion for groups, teams, business units, or an entire organization in the midst of a change initiative
As part of a workshop on change
As part of a team-building session
In a management retreat
The Mastering the Change Curve Starter Kit comes with a Facilitator Guide and five Participant Guides.
The Facilitator Guide contains:
Administrative guidelines
Background information on how change affects people