Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Want to Change Behaviors?

Chip and Dan Heath, in their latest book "Switch", construct a three-part framework that will guide you in any situation where you need to change behavior.

  • Direct the Rider - What looks like resistance is often a lack of clarity. To direct your rational actions, provide crystal-clear direction.

  • Motivate the Elephant - What looks like laziness is often exhaustion. It's critical to engage people's emotional side, to get their Elephants on the path and cooperative.

  • Shape the Path - What looks like a people problem is often a situation problem. The situation and the surrounding environment is "The Path." When you shape the Path, you make change more likely, no matter what's happening with the Rider and Elephant.

It may sound a little strange to you, but when you get into the book, the brothers Heath have done an excellent job outlining a very workable strategy for accomplishing change. Over the next three days I will take a quick look at each of the three main ideas stated above.

"Switch" goes on sale February 16 - I recommend you pre-order it early!

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