Unlock What Blocks the Change You Seek
By Audrey Seymour
Many of us feel impatient to create a better world, a better society. At the same time, have you ever felt frustrated at how hard it is to change the way you operate on a daily basis?
Mission-based businesses in particular struggle with deciding which traditional best practices to keep and which to redesign.
In order to make the most effective and sustainable change in your business and in society, we need to address deeper levels of change.
There are three interlocking levels of change: behavior, belief and being. Beliefs are the underlying motivation for behavior, and being or identity is the deeper framework out of which beliefs arise. If we ignore the subconscious factors directing our actions, old habits will take over again the minute our attention is elsewhere.
One client "Jeff" struggled with a problematic key manager "Jill" who was negatively impacting morale and productivity for her team. We discussed several solutions to the challenge she presented, yet Jeff kept finding himself unable to take action. He felt stuck and could not change his behavior.
With a bit of inquiry, Jeff uncovered strongly held beliefs that as the company owner, it was his top priority to protect and provide for his employees, even at the expense of business growth.
As a green business owner in particular, Jeff wanted to be seen as (i.e his identity was) a kind and generous owner who honored the triple bottom line rather than someone who only cared about profit.
Ultimately, Jeff recognized that in order to fulfill the mission of his business, he needed to communicate more directly to have a more productive workplace. It also could serve his value of compassionate leadership to give someone the feedback they needed for professional growth.
As a result of these insights, Jeff created a transition plan with Jill that included reduced hours and training for her replacement. This closure created room for a new manager to came in with even higher credentials.
When you have the courage to look at the beliefs and identities underlying any unproductive behavior, the truth that is revealed allows you to regain your lost momentum.
Are you unsuccessfully trying to change how you act without addressing what lies beneath? Take a look at what beliefs are dear to your heart, and who you are taking yourself to be.
© 2012 Audrey Seymour. All rights reserved.
