August 2004

Learning about Change

How do we learn about anything? “Hear it, see it, do it” is a “learning” phrase that’s been kicked around for ages. Surely that phrase would apply to the world of change.

Well, maybe “yes” and maybe “no.” Unfortunately there are a couple of obstacles that get in the way. First, it seems that we “forget” as well as we learn. And we are very good “forgetters” of experiences that were unpleasant. The phrase “Hear it, see it, do it, forget it” comes into play when learning change. The bottom line is that many of us, therefore, never learn change…we get through change but never “learn it."

Second, those of us who are managers must lead change must both fight forgetting…and we must learn the flip side of the learning phrase. “Hear it, see it, do it” becomes “say it, show it, model it”…and for many managers, that’s a tall order. You see, not everyone is good at explaining something or showing someone just how things work. Nor can everyone model change, leading another through a change experience.

Bottom line: Now that change is no longer the exception but the rule, managers must not only be able to “get through change,” they must become expert at helping others learn change. Managers must learn and become adept at using at the very least, a handful of simple, practical models of change. Good luck!

By Dutch Holland, PhD

Dutch Holland, CEO of HDI, has worked as a management consultant for 30 years, helping organizations and leaders manage and implement change successfully. And if you enjoyed this short article, you'll love his book, Red Zone Management: Changing the Rules for Pivotal Times (Dearborn Trade, Chicago, Fall 2001). Check your local bookstores or read a review at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com! Contact Dutch at 713.877.8130.

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