April, 2015
STORY MESSAGING “CHANGE”: A CAUSE TO “RUN BACK TO THE BARN”?
If you have ever done any horseback riding you know if your stead is “spooked”, it tries to flee, and it races towards familiar safe grounds…the barn, with or without you.
Just like in the movies, the horse comes back sans rider, back to the barn where there is a familiar stall, food, safety, and a beautiful concerned heroine or sidekick. When “change” rears its head, most folks think of “what is familiar that makes me feel safe”? Right back to the “barn”…the old ways, the KNOWN ways that are now stagnant, no longer productive, not working any more (but feel real safe!).
Safety instincts are very strong during change.
The patterns from the past and the fears of the unknowns give the “knowns”, the survival instincts of your brand barn (with the mentality of “if it isn’t broken, why fix it” even when the barn walls are crumbling…and folks know it!), the power to snub growth.
First hand stampede experience of “herding change” comes from having been a part of the excitement of moving brand communications into new form, planning an agreed upon evolution “ride path”, then having to scale some pretty tall walls constructed during the process due to fears of the “unknown”. The creative and communications landscape can quickly become a field of giant gopher holes dug by fright, tripping up deadlines, killing flow, separating teams, creating “change triage” rather than healthy transformation.
Sorry, there is no crystal ball.
The past is in the past, the future never comes, and the present is the only time that we all find success. There are no guarantees, and no crystal ball (Sorry Dorothy and Toto). The GOOD NEWS: there are “gut” passions, inspirational new ideas, creativity, and imagination…those are my crystal balls.
How can you harness fear of change into a powerful ally?
Leadership that can communicate the knowing that “we is greater than me”, that we are all in this together, that we will leave no one behind is essential to give folks safety and enthusiasm during change. Safety…that is what folks are looking for in order to ride through change! How can you create a safe passage through change…here are a few tips:
1. Stay in the present as change is happening. Give folks a safety blanket that feels good…offer communications that define the need for change as well as SHOW what you are keeping. The stuff that is valuable, familiar; what already fits and makes your foundation. Present items that are key to process, product, core value statements, passion, purpose, honest communications. Not “pie in the sky” future is breezy thing…stay in the present moment, address concerns, ask about fears, communicate your answers in clear, focused responses RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!
2. Communicate a sense of “why” to your folks (and to yourself!) rather than having to be in complete silent control. You do not have a crystal ball, you do have capability to SHOW positive enthusiasm and the “why” of change while evolving. Become the Change Guide, like a wise trail guide always with your ear to the ground making sure things are safe along the path. Show folks your “Why”, get them out of the barn, engage and include!
3. Change is your “child”…show your plans on how to keep your child safe so others will also protect the little one until a new shelter is built. Become what is called a “lead mare”. The one who leads is the one who protects the young and herd, chases off bullies, finds safety for all. Make sure everyone sees what you are doing, create a feeling of safety, a part of the herd and be “heard”!
Can you show safety?
Yes, you can! A great way to get everyone knowing exactly what is happening, include everyone with visual mapping. Visual sketches are a universal language that clarify change for everyone. Visual quick sketching can get your plans distributed fast to all…and can also be added on to, changed quickly during your change journey. Long reports with just copy do not guide folks as much as visual escorts. Getting folks involved in a fun way with change lessens fear of change. Give me a call and get some visual mapping going to help folks on a positive trail of change.
As AdMan Bill Bernbach quotes: “In communications, familiarity breeds apathy.” Step out of the familiar, establish safety and enthusiasm with clear guidance, visual communications…create a safe feeling ride to a new stable “home” for your story!
Thanks for your interest and sharing!
I’m Paula Brown; Visual Scribe / Feng Shui practitioner / Author / Animal Communicator. I am a visual storyteller showing you how to IGNITE YOUR STORY, YOUR ENERGY, YOUR WELL-BEING for both business and home. My site is: www.chilightful.com Connect on: LinkedIn, Twitter. and you can “like” my facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ChiLightful
