Changing Direction for Improvement

I mentioned the change process on December 12, 2011, but I’ll give more details today to tie that theory to the subject of these blogs.*

Change happens only when there is sufficient discomfort, dissatisfaction with the status quo.  If I’m happy with the way things are going, I have no incentive to change and will resist.  My attitude will be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

With dissatisfaction comes a demand for change.  Then someone must present a solution consisting of three factors:  a model, a plan and a cost.

The model says, “Here’s where we would like to be.”  Contrasted with the current state, the model or desired state will yield better results.

The plan then outlines steps to get there.

Finally consider the cost. If a solution is too expensive, a new one must be found.

One simplified example is planning a vacation:

1. Discomfort = you do not want to spend a vacation sitting at home; it’s not exciting enough or restful enough or fun.

2. Model = pick a destination and timeframe that will satisfy the needs identified in step one: theme park, beach, cruise, spa, golf resort, etc.

3. Plan = pick dates, decide whether to drive or fly, make reservations, etc.

4. Cost = check the budget to make sure you can afford it, otherwise you must modify the plan.

The approach to improving America is the same.  For the past 30 years survey after survey has shown dissatisfaction by the majority of Americans with “the direction of the country.”  The 2008 presidential campaign played on this dissatisfaction with a theme of “hope and change,” but recent survey results are unchanged.  It seems there is sufficient dissatisfaction but still no clear model or plan (and the cost keeps going up!).

This blog is about a model and a plan that works.  For over 10 months I have shown how real American solutions are based on our personal behavior in five key dimensions.  Our behavior is the primary source of most problems. Individual consequences accumulate into societal woes.  With almost 90 examples as background, I trust you are beginning to recognize in the news and in your own experience other examples of behaviors that fit into these dimensions.   More positive behaviors yield better consequences; no change in behavior yields what we have now, or worse.

The plan is to recognize these behaviors and start to eliminate destructive ones in favor of positive ones.  The sum of individual behaviors and their consequences build to societal consequences, i.e., our national problems and crises.  When we persuade a “critical mass” of citizens – not everyone, but enough to make a difference – we will begin to change the direction of America.  This is the desired state, more positive consequences and fewer crises, with people depending on themselves (not government or big business) to bring about the improvement.  (If we can’t achieve that critical mass, it means not enough people care enough to change, and we should expect more of the same.)

Surprisingly cost is not a factor.  It costs nothing to eat less and exercise more (discipline).  It costs less to forego the latest fad item - be it a fancier car, tennis shoes, designer fashions or the latest phone - to appreciate what we have and not always be grasping for more (perspective).  It costs less not to throw away money on unproven medical cures (critical thinking).  It costs nothing to admit and take ownership of our errors and problems and teach our kids to do the same (responsibility).   We support wiser and less wasteful decisions by recognizing that you don't get something for nothing, that there is no magic (government or corporate) source of free money (understanding the economic cycle).  Look at all the examples in previous blogs.  None requires an investment beyond improved behavior in those five key dimensions and doing so leads to happier individuals and a better overall America!

 *Change discussion was adopted in part from my book, No-Secrets Leadership.