Blog

There is a common structure or pattern to problematic circumstances.  Most problems consist of three primary components:

• The Problem State
• The Solution State
• The Solution Path

The Problem State refers to "what is," the Solved State refers to "what should be," and the Solution Path refers to the Transformation necessary to close the gap between the two states.  The Solution Path is a way of shifting from the Problem State to the Solution State through particular activities when faced with a problem.

Change Management poses a number of intrinsic problems. To address a problem, the Leadership should identify the behaviors that must be eliminated as well as those that must be embraced, and then seek realistic solutions.  These solutions demand a collection of adjustments with a distinct plan of action to alter Behaviors of people.

While attempting to solve an issue, it is essential to examine it from two vantage points:

• Content: The content viewpoint of problem resolution examines the nature, scope, and characteristics of the problem.  It might be behavioral, business-related, performance-related, or manufacturing-related, depending on the nature of the problem.
• Process: The process viewpoint examines how a problem is handled and resolved.

In domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Organizational Design, Digital Transformation, and Performance Management, the technique of tackling a problem from both the content and process viewpoints has widespread acceptance.

The majority of challenges encountered by companies are either change-related or Behavioral Problems.

Lewin's Force Field Analysis may be used as a diagnostic technique to address these problems.  According to Lewin's Force Field Analysis, the Problem State (present state) results from the interaction of two opposing but equal forces.  One of these forces is a Driving Force, which pushes toward a new or desired condition and away from the existing one.  The other is a Resisting Force that opposes and restrains the Driving Force.  These forces preserve equilibrium by balancing each other out.

The Force Field Analysis assists in comprehending why some individuals embrace change while others oppose it.  If the Driving Factors are greater, the change will be more appealing to individuals.  Yet, if the Resisting Forces are stronger, they are able to retain the status quo.

Behavior Issues may often be divided into two categories:

• Problems of Omission - These issues arise when people fail to accomplish or convey what is expected of them. For instance, by omitting to provide vital information or by not keeping a commitment.
• Problems of Commission - These issues arise when persons do something they are not permitted to do. Such an irresponsible conduct may hurt individuals, the organization's reputation, or both. For example, falsehood, fraud, or engaging in unlawful or unethical behavior.

Both the Problems of Omission and Commission present undesirable outcomes.  Omission may result in lost opportunities, broken relationships, and a loss of trust.  Problems of Commission, however, result in legal battles, penalties, injury to others, or reputational loss.

There is no one approach to addressing these behavioral Problems.  Based on the kind of behavior Problem, Change Managers should use the most effective tactics for a specific situation.

For instance, increasing the factors that motivate individuals to perform particular actions, decreasing the factors that cause them to resist the directive, reducing the factors that support existing behaviors, and increasing the forces that could potentially constrain them are some of the strategies that managers use to address these issues.

Interested in learning more about the drivers and consequences of Behaviors and how to change them? You can download an editable PowerPoint presentation on Problem of Change & Behavioral Change here on the Flevy documents marketplace.

Do You Find Value in This Framework?

You can download in-depth presentations on this and hundreds of similar business frameworks from the FlevyPro Library. FlevyPro is trusted and utilized by 1000s of management consultants and corporate executives.

For even more best practices available on Flevy, have a look at our top 100 lists:

• Top 100 in Strategy & Transformation
• Top 100 in Organization & Change
• Top 100 Consulting Frameworks
• Top 100 in Digital Transformation
• Top 100 in Operational Excellence