May 04, 2010

Requirments for Change


"If you want to truly understand something, try to change it."


Kurt Lewin

Early 20th century German-American psychologist


And the reverse is true as well.

You can only change things you thoroughly understand, and, as important, what you want them to become.


Most failed change efforts did not work because either or both conditions were not met.


3 comments :

  1. But we often want to change things we can never understand, right? What then?

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  2. Understanding is relative.

    You're right that we don't understand everything, nor likely even enough, very well. But starting trying to know more almost always puts us in a better position to bring about change than does not trying at all.

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  3. I think we could know a lot more about what needs changing and what it should become. But a lot of managers don't want to hear that. All they want are employees who will do what they are told.

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