At Managementors, we are dedicated to driving positive and enduring change for our clients. Whether it’s transforming management styles, streamlining work process flows, or revamping existing management systems, we understand that change is a constant in today’s dynamic world. But let’s face it, change isn’t always a walk in the park. It’s challenging to break free from old habits and embrace new ways of doing things.
Consultants often describe change as a journey, and it’s spot on. It starts with excitement and optimism, shifts to doubt and frustration where results don’t come quickly enough, and ultimately leads to a sense of accomplishment as the new ways of working become second nature. But here’s the catch—everyone’s change journey is unique, so how can we make the journey of change as smooth as possible?
To better assess individual readiness for change and make change possible for all, we can turn to the fascinating field of behavioural economics. This field offers valuable insights into human decision-making and behavioural change. One of the most widely accepted models in this field is the COM-B model developed by Michie, Van Stralen and West. The model revolves around three key elements: Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation—ultimately leading to Behavioural change.
- Capability assesses whether individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace change. We ask: Do they have the skills required for new responsibilities or the use of new tools? On some occasions, they may already have the relevant skills, and our job is to make them feel capable of making the change!
- Opportunity considers external factors and whether there is an environment that supports change. By fostering a culture that encourages and manages the delivery of change, we pave the way for lasting success.
- Motivation is the secret sauce—it’s all about understanding what truly drives individuals to make a change. Motivating factors can include; remuneration, job satisfaction, empowerment, the learning of new skills, greater responsibility etc. Only by getting to know people in the business can we understand what motivates them to change.
After considering these factors, the COM-B model helps us create strategies for effective and smooth change. For instance, if someone is motivated and has the opportunity, but lacks the necessary capability, we can focus on providing training and support to fill that gap. For those with the capability and opportunity but lacking motivation, we aim to spark their passion and empower them to embrace change in understanding what makes them tick. When opportunities are limited, we consider how to create a change-oriented culture within the business. This might include conducting workshops to open discussions around change and what’s possible, implementing issue tracking to identify and control the new ways of working and of course celebrating successful changes and stories along the way.
So, what’s the takeaway from this? Well, that change is unique to everyone. Only by understanding individual readiness for change, through applying helpful frameworks like the COM-B model, can we equip ourselves to provide unparalleled support to our clients and their teams. Making their change journey as smooth and successful as possible and ultimately leading to sustainable and enduring results.
