Engaging people in change

Do you need to lead change? If so, you’ve likely struggled with engaging people in that change.

When it comes to change, the technical part is often the easy part. It’s the engagement part that is hard.

Here’s a simple ABC model I’ve developed through practice:

A: Alpha

Develop the “alpha” version of your change — the simplest version, much like a minimum viable product. It’s the seed of your idea, not the tree.

Then present it to your “alphas” — the people who have the power to say yes or no. Present an alpha version (not the full blown version), and invite them to make changes to it. The goal is that they see it not as YOUR project but THEIR project — something they have had a hand in shaping.

(Often in change, people do the opposite. They build up a full idea, invest lots, present it to the Alphas who by that point don't see it as their idea… and are often unwilling to accept feedback.)

B: Beta

Run a “beta test” with your “betas” — the people who have social power but perhaps not positional power. They know everyone, are really well connected, make things happen. They will be positive, honest, endure mistakes, and be great advocates.

Then take your learnings and refine your idea for:

C: Complete Version 1

Launch Version 1. Version 1 means there will be a version 2, and a version 3. Any great ideas can go on the roadmap for future versions.

But for now — it IS LAUNCHED.