Your Perspectives on Change Self-assessment

People view change in different ways. Some people perceive change as something that happens quite
naturally. They are not bothered by it - they may even like it! Others see change as something that needs
to be managed, planned, or learned. There is no right or wrong perspective, but how you see change may
be different from the way others see change. These differences can enrich - or sometimes detract from -
the success of the change effort.

Consider each of the statements below. Ask yourself if the statement is:

Least like me: You can't envision yourself adopting that perspective on change.

Somewhat like me: You can envision yourself adopting that perspective on change but it is not one you
would promote strongly.

Most like me: You can envision yourself adopting and promoting that perspective on change. You
strongly favor this perspective.

For each item, mark the box in the appropriate column.

Change Least Somewhat Most

like me like me like me
A Change is a process that follows specific steps. If you
take them one at a time, you can make change
happen. Having a plan for change greatly enhances its
success.
B The human element of change must be recognized in
order to make change happen. You must consider and
adapt to the emotional needs of people as they go
through change. People tend to seek stability and
change disrupts that.
C Change is a force that needs to happen in life and in
work. It is important to remove obstacles so that
change can unfold naturally. Like everything in nature,
change needs to happen in order for growth and
development to take place.
D Change in the workplace affects how people interact
with one another in their respective positions. Change
requires appealing to the various political interests of
stakeholders and encouraging them to help drive the
change forward.
E Change requires the ability to learn new skills and
knowledge, and to foster continuous learning to
sustain change. Without specific skills and knowledge,
people may not be able to change. If you can foster a
learning environment, change is more likely to
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 Change Least Somewhat Most
like me like me like me
succeed.

Perspectives on Change Key

A = Rational
If you chose this as "most" or "somewhat" like you, you prefer designing the change effort; analyzing it,
and planning the steps and stages to produce the outputs you want.

B = Human
If you chose this as "most" or "somewhat" like you, you prefer engaging people in making the change
happen; addressing their concerns and helping them "own" the change.

C = Natural
If you chose this as "most" or "somewhat" like you, you prefer enabling the emergence of change and
removing obstacles in order for change to evolve from chaos.

D = Political
If you chose this as "most" or "somewhat" like you, you prefer addressing the different interests, wants,
and needs of stakeholders in order to get a positive movement for change.

E = Learned
If you chose this as "most" or "somewhat" like you, you prefer creating a learning environment where
people can acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to create a changed state.

You may want to use this assessment with others on your team and explore similar and differing
perspectives.

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