Principle: Interdependency

Definition: "Today, the mission of one institution can be accomplished only by

recognizing that it lives in an interdependent world with conflicts and overlapping
interests" (Wexler, J., retrieved from thefreedictionary.com). Interdependency is the
spirit of leading change by common interest and collaboration.

Logic and Literature: The concept of interdependency came to my attention from

the recently departed Stephen Covey, who established the principle as the highest
paradigm of an effective person (Covey, 1990). An effective facilitator of change
knows how to collaborate with others to achieve greater collective goals.

Guidelines:
- Be independently placated, be confident
- Be prepared to give graciously to the change effort and participants
- Be willing and able to collaborate with others

Principle: Dedication

Definition: Being true to one’s word. Aspiring with full tenacity to reach goals.
Rare to reconsider, frequent to finish.

Principle: Participation, Involvement, Empowerment

Definition: Service to those people who are involved in or affected by the change
effort. Engaging these people in formative and substantial ways is a primary goal of
the change effort, even more so than the intended goal of change itself.

Logic and Literature: “Change in human systems will not come about without
active involvement of the members of the system who will undergo the change”
(Anderson, 2010, p.39). It is absolutely essential to lead change by integrating the
aspirations, goals, and interests of all those who will be affected by the change.
Engaging and empowering is often complicated, and to the extent that it is handled
effectively, the change effort will be more successful.

Guidelines:
- Engage persons affected by the change with empowerment, fairness, and
integrity
- Build a coalition of support through participation and involvement
- Lead from behind when it is best to do so
Principle: Sun Tzu’s “the Way”

Definition: Brilliantly described by the military tactician, Sun Tzu, over two
thousand years ago, “The Art of War” has been adapted into the realm of business as
a tool for strategic management (Michaelson, 2001). Sun Tzu believed that war was
a necessary evil that must be avoided whenever possible, plenty of people feel the
same about ‘change’. The Way discusses the first stages of a successful military
campaign known as “Laying Plans / Calculations” which also includes discussion
and assessment of “seasons, terrain, leadership, and management” (Giles, 2007).

Logic and Literature: Just as the social psychologist Kurt Lewin believed that
science laws and theories could be applied to other disciplines, so too, can Sun Tzu’s
brilliant strategic understanding and descriptive methodology on preparing for
massive altercations be applied to change management. “the Way” describes a
methodical approach to assessing circumstances and measuring opposition. The
goal is to identify ahead of time whether or not one will be successful. “The Way” is
analogous to a ‘framework’ or ‘plan’ for change.

Guidelines:
- Make ‘calculations’ (assessment of change factors) before committing to the
change effort, as well as during the change effort.
- Choose the right ‘season’ for change (consider how long the change will take,
what resources are available, what obstacles will be encountered, what
successful change looks like, etc.)
- Consider the leadership and management assets in relationship to readiness
for change

Principle: Dynamism

Definition: Thinking on your feet, leading with enthusiasm, constantly looking for
changes in surroundings conditions and adjusting accordingly. Dynamism is the
characteristic of being comfortable enough with uncertain circumstances to think
and act clearly in the interest of change.

Guidelines:
- Expect the unexpected

References

Anderson, D. (2010). Organizational development. SAGE: Thousand Oaks, CA

Covey, S. (1990). 7 habits of highly effective people: powerful lessons in personal

change. Free Press. ISBN-13: 978-0671663988
Giles, L. (2007). The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition. Special Edition Books.

Michaelson, G. (2001). Sun Tzu: The art of war for managers; 50 strategic rules.
Adams Media, Avon, MA.

The Free Dictionary. (2012). Interdependency. Retrieved from

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Interdependency

QuickMBA. (2010). Summary of Stephen R. Covey’s 7 habits of highly effective

people. Retrieved from http://www.quickmba.com/mgmt/7hab/