4 Qs - Feeling Pain Sparks Change

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We’re in a series about perspectives on change and how they can help us be effective change leaders. Here are our previous topics:

• The Satir J Curve, a model that illustrates our journey through change.

• Holding Change Too Tight

Quintessential Thought

Pain, whether physical or organizational, is a powerful motivator for change. Just like with a sore toe, masking the discomfort with "organizational painkillers" keeps you from addressing the root cause.

How do you affect change? By unleashing the powerful combination of story and data:

• Storytelling: Showcase a real-life example of a pain point impacting your product.

• Data: Pair the story with facts that quantify the cost of inaction.

Together, these answer the first major question in change: Why do I care?

By fostering awareness of the pain, you create space and motivation for change - the first step!

Quotes

"You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.  And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before." - Rahm Emanuel

"Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong." - Mandy Hale

"Growth and comfort do not coexist." - Ginni Rometty

Quick Step

Most of us are good at either storytelling or data. Find someone who’s good at the one you’re weakest in and learn something about how they approach communication of changes.

Question

Pick a change you wish were being addressed and consider: Where is the pain felt? Who is paying the cost? Who is able to make decisions that affect this?

Applying Professional Scrum, June 10-13

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