Dealing or coping with change is one of the most difficult challenges for any financial leader to manage during times of change – either for themselves or those they lead, mentor, or coach. Rick Maurer is the author of Beyond the Wall of Resistance which includes important constructs like the three levels of resistance and the change cycle. During this conversation, Rick provides advice and guidance on how to address change in the workplace.
Who is Rick Maurer?
Rick works with leaders in large organizations who see big changes and projects as opportunities to engage people in the changes that will affect them.
Some of his many clients have included The Washington Post, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte Consulting, Charles Schwab, and many other corporations, nonprofits, and federal and local agencies.
His opinion has been sought by The Wall Street Journal, CBNC, NBC Nightly News, The Economist, The Globe and Mail, Fortune, and many other media outlets.
Interview Highlights
- The practicality of Beyond the Wall of Resistance
- How one starts a career in change management
- A favorite ‘change’ success story
- The 70% failure rate
- What is change management? Can it be managed?
- What is the knowing-doing gap?
- The Cycle of Change
- Paradoxical Theory of Change
- The Three Levels of Resistance
- Bridging the gap
- Keeping change alive
- Open book and AARs
Key Constructs
According to Rick Maurer, The Cycle of Change describes how the need for change begins to take shape, and how energy begins to build so that we take action which leads to successful completion of the change (Beyond the Wall of Resistance, page 17).
The Three Levels of Change explain why people resist change:
- I don’t get it
- I don’t like it
- I don’t like (or trust) you
Rick references Gleicher’s Change Equation, and you can read his short article about it on Ask About Change, his toolbox for the book. Below is the formula:
SD x V x FS > R = C
SD = shared dissatisfaction
V = clear vision
F = First steps
R = Resistance
C = Change
Seizing Moments of Possibility
Rick’s newest book focuses on ways to build strong support and forward momentum into our plans from the beginning. You can either buy the audio version or download a digital copy at no cost on Rick’s website.
Important Links
Your Next CFO Bookshelf Podcast Listen
If you liked this show, consider listening to a similar conversation with Judy Johnson where we talked about DCOM, The Consequence Pyramid, The SaFE Curve, and other similar frameworks revolving around change.
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