One of the challenges that is inevitably tackled during my GLIDE program is the effect of disruption, change and shifts that are happening, and how the team is responding to them.
“Change before you have to.” Jack Welch
My Shift Model helps people see where they may sit on the continuum and what can be done to help them shift. (A shift is any shift in mindset, behaviour or performance that is required to achieve the expected or desired results.)
Where would you and your team sit?
Shift Creators & Embracers
If you’re a Shift Creator or Embracer, you are visibly pushing for the shift – you’ve either created it or bought into it, and you’re happily challenged by it. You’re driving the requirements for the shift. You see the benefits but you also see the challenges, and your enthusiasm may be tainted with a bit of skepticism, but you’re willing and open to give it a shot. Your energy is positive and therefore stimulating. You give yourself permission to think and act differently.
Shift Acceptors
If you’re a Shift Acceptor, you’re ok with it all – you expect it, you’re resigned to it, you’re not too bothered by it. Shift Acceptors also have their own continuum:
On one hand you may be a silent supporter, but you could do with speaking up more to demonstrate your advocacy and to help generate momentum with the shifts.
On the other hand, your silence may be due to inner conflict – you may be torn between the two sides – the old traditional way or the new shift. However, you’ll rather go with the flow then rock the boat, so you’re best to make the shift sooner rather than later.
Shift Resistors
If you’re a Shift Resistor, you aren’t happy. This shift is going against what you know and how you think, and is asking for different behaviours. You may be fearful, anxious, not confident or just fed up with more disruption. You may be cynical, which can be or can become very toxic. You may struggle to see the big picture or strategy, as you may be consumed with how its affecting yourself. Your energy is negative and therefore draining. Your fear stops you from thinking or acting differently.
It hurts
As you’ll see from the model, at both intersections lies pain. Everyone feels it, however the Shift Creators & Embracers will experience ‘towards’ pain – they’ll see where it’s taking them and they’ll see the opportunity.
The Shift Resistors however will experience ‘away from’ pain – it’s away from what they want and the pain is unfortunately destructive to themselves and to the team culture.
The GLIDE program helps teams identify these shifts and actions that can help create the necessary movement to get out of the pain as quickly as possible.