HAVE you wondered why changing seem difficult? Have you thought about how to simplify the process of changing an old way of life to a new and more profitable way? You are not alone. Everyone have a part that want to stay in the comfort zone of the old order. Of course, there is no point changing a winning formula but if an old order is no longer profitable, then it must be changed.

There is a particular country in Africa whose people cannot imbibe the simple order of joining the queue and wait for their turn or simply make use of a pedestrian bridge, why? Because they are so used to the old ways and find those ways most convenient. Yet, the country is governed by a group of people who rode to power on the mantra of change.

Change should not just be by chants or by mere sloganeering. Change must come with deliberate attempt on the modification of behaviour. That is, if true and sincere change is what you seek, you must rise up to it and take responsibility. The call to becoming a better person cannot be complete without an individual making crucial amendments to his or her way of life.

For instance, someone on a mission to lose some weight must be ready to work on what and when he or she eats and such individual must be ready to do some physical exercise no matter how difficult (and it will be difficult at the beginning). The easy path is choosing to do nothing and guess what? It's the most threaded path. Again, Warren Buffet's saying comes to mind, "price is what you pay, value is what you get".

In today's tides of transformation, we shall discuss the recipe for change; the procedural formula for achieving change.

David Gleicher in the 60s was the first to propound the formula for change. This formula was further worked upon by Kathie Dannemiller. The formula states that change will be achieved only when:
1. There is dissatisfaction with how things are
2. There is vision of what is possible
3. Steps to be taken towards the vision are clearly stated.
4. A product of the three above must be greater than any resistance in sight.

So when these three factors are in place and well fortified, change is imminent. However, if any of the three factors is missing, then the chants of change will end in chagrin; frustration and dissapointment.

Yes, it is good to say I want to change but we must go ahead to move the potency in our lips to our limbs and change what needs to be changed.

Let's get back to that African country whose chants of change was everywhere during the build up to their general election and take a keen look using the lens of our discussed formula !
1. Was there an expression of dissatisfaction with status quo? Yes!
2. Was there a communication of vision for what is possible? Yes, with the multitude of promises.
3. Were steps to be taken towards the vision clearly stated? Well, from clear indications, one cannot be too positive on that!
4. Are there resistances? Oh, obviously more than envisaged! And because one of the three factors are missing, the force of resistance has being quite weighty.

Was there a change? Yes, in leadership but not in attitude, behavior and general ways of doing things. What lesson is there for you? As a person going somewhere, you can't afford to just go about with the chants of change. Changing the old for the new is serious business. You must clearly state the steps you need to take and take them. You must be open to change and be positive about change - positive change of course.

With the necessary factors in place, you will make the tides of transformation to turn to your advantag.
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