Change vs. Transformation

The World is divided, not because we look differently; but because we think differently. 

Change or Transformation is at every progressive organization's agenda, are they the same or have differences? What's leading to change or on the journey of transformation?

Mind Shift is required in transformation: The terms "transformation" and "change" truly overlap in the literal definition. Transformation is the more ambitious sounding term, in addition to the set point changing, transformation requires first shifting mindsets, then building new skills and reinforcing and embedding new practices/reflexes. We tend to need interpersonal transformation, then intra-personal transformation to achieve organizational transformation.

• "Change" can be a somewhat mechanical implementation of new or different ways to doing something: While the transformation is more likely to be a sweeping approach to altering a culture, or parts of it, possibly even to parts of its value system, to embrace such as change and help it become self-perpetuating. When the need for significant change is identified, it's generally naive to think it will succeed without transformation as well. Interpersonal transformation is prerequisite for intrapersonal transformation.... inside-out... without experiencing the own inner space, one won’t be able to extend awareness, neither to other individuals nor to that intrapersonal space, which is not tied to a person 

• Is Change ‘mandatory’ while transformation is nature? Simple "Change" may involve dictated behavioral modification that is not natural and/or does not fit with the person's normal mode of behavior, values, and beliefs. Being "unnatural" in this sense, it will be necessary to maintain a constant effort and vigilance to be confident that one is behaving properly and in accordance with the new rules. Mistakes and resistance may be major risks here. "Transformation" goes a step further, and involves internalization of the new values and conceptual model, so that the newly required behaviors don't require the same kind of effort and vigilance. Instead, the newly established behaviors will be in harmony with the internalized values… 

• "Change management" is the overarching umbrella: It encompasses extensive planning, outreach, communications, discovery of concerns/objections potential points of failure, addressing fears and resistance, developing a shared vision, communicating valid and compelling reasons for cooperation, recognizing sacrifice and incremental success, measuring outcomes in a shared and mutually understood and agreed upon fashion, being able to declare an end-point and successful conclusion -- at least of a major phase -- without being disingenuous, examining what went well and what could be done better next time, etc. 

Change is more incremental while the transformation is quantum leapfrogging. Change is for adjusting the behavior while the transformation often needs to change the culture and process underneath, in order to improve the overall business agility and maturity.

Posted in: Change Management,Connecting Dots,Future of Leadership