MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN

Are you an OPTIMIST?

Compiled from slides prepared by Subodh Sharan Gupta

Dream

“One of the saddest lines in the world is, ‘oh come now – be realistic.’

The best parts of this world were not fashioned by those who were realistic. they were fashioned by those who dared to look hard at their wishes and gave them horses to ride.”

Richard Bolles

Believe in Change

Demonstrate your belief in Change

Have faith in others

The essential quality

Myths

People always resist change

It is very well for youngsters but older people are set in their ways

People don’t want responsibilities

It is all very well for them, but we couldn’t do that here

Making Change Happen

Uncomfortable/ Difficult

However, Satisfying

Pick battles big enough to matter

and small enough to win

Lateral LeadershipMaking change happen

You may or may not be the BOSS

Give responsibility to Colleagues

Think how they will want their roles to be

Make them attractive & empowering

Lateral Leadership

Working to make change happen

Become a change agent

- Speak up- Draw attention to the issue- Try to win the support of key actors- Try to gain media attention

Basic principlesBe clear about what change you would like to see happen. Remember – pick issues that are feasible

Make arguments backed by solid evidence. Good science will be necessary to guide our interventions, increase our credibility, and assure the prospects for success.

Be guided by values of fairness, equity and social justice.

Listen to the voices of those most affected by the problem

Why do they resist? Attitudes Prejudices Don’t share thinking patterns with

you No hard evidence seen

Two types of opponents

Idea opponents (I think it should be done that way)

An idea opponent is always a potentialally.

Concentrate on outcome, accept ideas, redesign the package & arrive at a “WIN – WIN” conclusion.

Two types of opponentsVisceral opponents (An emotional adversary, who not only disagrees with your point of view, but disagrees with you as a human being.)

Therefore, do not make a visceral enemy Never forget the power of your attitude Never judge the actions & motives of others Learn to make your point or present your

case without making a visceral enemy

You can negotiate anything?

Negotiation: A Skill

We all know someone in our own setting, who is able to get things done by the

authorities as s/he wishes

What are her/his skills?

How does s/he get the power?

The famous railroad story

The Rules

Establish trust If you do not trust others, they will not trust

you. Build trust, share information, experience, feelings & needs.

Obtain information Research the issue, ask questions, listen with

empathy, convey understanding.

Meet other’s needs Package it in a way which meets all

stakeholders’ needs and concerns.

The Rules

Use other’s ideas Do not approach anyone with rigid idea. Keep

enough space in your proposal to include other’s ideas. People do not own a process in which they had not contributed anything.

Transform relationships to collaborations Choose for everyone good roles, trust them and give

responsibilities.

Take moderate risk Only those who do not do anything, remain risk free.

Take risks in proposing change, in accepting ideas.

The RulesAsk for help People feel happy to ask for help and many of them

become your friend if you ask for help. Do not hesitate.

If you expect help from others, you must help them also.

Be creative. Ask for extra. Do not hesitate in asking for extra.

Be patient, persistent Do not be in hurry. Give people time.

The Rules

Don’t be intimidated People are going to differ. Every program has critics

Keep a focus on the issues Be very clear on what to accept and what not to

accept

Make it local and keep it relevant Ideas that worked elsewhere may not work in your

local situation

Thank you