September 9, 2014
By Phil Maynard
Chip and Dan Heath, in this very excellent book about leading change, provide amazing insights into how to connect with both our rational and emotional processes to accomplish change.
In the first part of the book, the authors introduce the psychology of change using an analogy developed by psychologist Jonathon Haidt in the book The Happiness Hypothesis. He call our emotional side an Elephant and our rational side the Rider. It seems logical that the Rider would be the one to lead in changing some behavior but in reality the Rider is so small relative to the Elephant that this control is precarious. When there is a disagreement about the direction to go, the Elephant is going to win.
If change is going to happen, one must appeal to both the Rider and the Elephant. The Rider provides the direction and planning. The Elephant provides the energy. To reach the Rider alone gives understanding without motivation. To reach the Elephant alone gives passion without direction. When they move together, change happens easily.
Dan and Chip Heath identify a basic three-part framework to guide change in any situation:
- Direct the Rider: provide crystal clear direction
- Motivate the Elephant: engage people’s emotions
- Shape the Path: look closely at the environment
They look at each of these three parts of the framework using a amazing array of stories to help us see how they work.
Direct the Rider
- Find the bright spots: Ask the question “What’s working, and how can we do more of it