This article is the first in a series devoted to the exploration of the art of managing change. As such, I felt it was appropriate to start this series by examining what I consider to be the most ambitious project change management and successful of all time - the decision of the Continental Congress in 1776 in the American colonies to separate from Britain and become "free and independent states."
BACKGROUND
Relations between Britain and the American colonies have deteriorated since the end of the 7 years war in 1763. Britain was to raise taxes to pay for debts incurred during the war and many settlers protested the new taxes because they were not represented in Parliament. Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765 and Townshend Acts in 1767, which led to the resistance of the colonies.
Civil resistance met with military force, which in turn led to the slaughter of Boston in 1770, where British troops killed five colonists. Death fed settlers that the most active resistance that led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. In response, the British Parliament passed what they call "coercive acts" that were designed to punish colonies the Boston Tea Party. in the colonies of these acts were known as the "intolerable Acts" that encourage other settlers began to resist British rule.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other members of the Continental Congress. The final version, ratified July 4, 1776, consists of only 1322 words. For comparison, the "Law on the protection of patients and Affordable Care" 2009 (aka Obamacare) consists of about 360,000 words with 11.5 million federal regulations words to apply.
The 1322 words of the Declaration of Independence can be studied in four sections which are useful as a model for modern change management.
Define your target
The first 340 words (26%) of the Declaration clearly indicates the intention of the settlers to "dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another." Dr. Benjamin Franklin helped the mathematical expression "obvious" that the statement describing the truths about the nature of people and their government - that governments derive their power "," consent of the governed. It also states boldly that when a government becomes tyrannical, which is the right and duty of the people to get rid of this government and replace it.
A lesson here is that the goal should capture the attention of the audience and to paint a mental picture of what the future state will look like even if the change effort can face many obstacles and require a lot slaughter between the present and future states.
State your case
656 words (50%) of the Declaration sets out specific charges against the British crown. There would have been enough to Jefferson simply said "have been ignored" or "our rights have been violated." Instead, he has documented more than 30 concrete examples to demonstrate a long cycle of violence and reinforce the message in the first section, it is time to get rid of this form of government.
A lesson here is the importance of citing specific examples of the current state / status quo is failing. A phrase ordinary people who resist change is "if it is not broke, do not fix it". A good change manager can avoid this line of resistance, clearly showing what is bankrupt.
Explain your CHANGE
295 words (22%) of the Declaration announced the settlements are "absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown ... and that free and independent states, they have full Power to levy War, conclude peace, contract alliances to regulate commerce, and other acts and Things which Independent States may of right ".
It is important to note, the Declaration of Independence did not specify how the "free and independent States" would be governed. During the early years (1777-1781) states were truly independent and only met under the Articles of Confederation. In 1781, the Articles of Confederation were replaced by the US Constitution. The lesson here is that the declaration of independence was essentially a project charter that describes what would happen in a very high level. It would have been impossible to reach a comprehensive agreement and get support for a very detailed plan at this stage, but it was time to announce the change in terms of breaking ties with Britain.
possess
The last 31 words (2%) of the Declaration was the commitment of the leaders of change to see the change by promising "to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." 56 signatories solemnly signed their names on the document immediately change the course of their lives, and ultimately change the course of humanity. Everyone knew that the signing of the Declaration would be considered an act of betrayal of Britain, a crime punishable by hanging. But they also knew publish an anonymous statement would not have had much, if any, impact on the status quo.
The 56 signatories were immediately pursued the massive man hunt and had to live "on the go" for several years. 17 signatories have lost everything they had, some have lost their families and homes. 5 of them were captured and imprisoned, but not one of them has never given up their signature or support for the Declaration.
The implementation of the change in a company or an established organization presents unique challenges. Help you and your company meet its goals of continuous improvement.
Jon Padfield, Phd
Contact us today
https://profferbrainchild.com/
BACKGROUND
Relations between Britain and the American colonies have deteriorated since the end of the 7 years war in 1763. Britain was to raise taxes to pay for debts incurred during the war and many settlers protested the new taxes because they were not represented in Parliament. Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765 and Townshend Acts in 1767, which led to the resistance of the colonies.
Civil resistance met with military force, which in turn led to the slaughter of Boston in 1770, where British troops killed five colonists. Death fed settlers that the most active resistance that led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. In response, the British Parliament passed what they call "coercive acts" that were designed to punish colonies the Boston Tea Party. in the colonies of these acts were known as the "intolerable Acts" that encourage other settlers began to resist British rule.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other members of the Continental Congress. The final version, ratified July 4, 1776, consists of only 1322 words. For comparison, the "Law on the protection of patients and Affordable Care" 2009 (aka Obamacare) consists of about 360,000 words with 11.5 million federal regulations words to apply.
The 1322 words of the Declaration of Independence can be studied in four sections which are useful as a model for modern change management.
Define your target
The first 340 words (26%) of the Declaration clearly indicates the intention of the settlers to "dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another." Dr. Benjamin Franklin helped the mathematical expression "obvious" that the statement describing the truths about the nature of people and their government - that governments derive their power "," consent of the governed. It also states boldly that when a government becomes tyrannical, which is the right and duty of the people to get rid of this government and replace it.
A lesson here is that the goal should capture the attention of the audience and to paint a mental picture of what the future state will look like even if the change effort can face many obstacles and require a lot slaughter between the present and future states.
State your case
656 words (50%) of the Declaration sets out specific charges against the British crown. There would have been enough to Jefferson simply said "have been ignored" or "our rights have been violated." Instead, he has documented more than 30 concrete examples to demonstrate a long cycle of violence and reinforce the message in the first section, it is time to get rid of this form of government.
A lesson here is the importance of citing specific examples of the current state / status quo is failing. A phrase ordinary people who resist change is "if it is not broke, do not fix it". A good change manager can avoid this line of resistance, clearly showing what is bankrupt.
Explain your CHANGE
295 words (22%) of the Declaration announced the settlements are "absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown ... and that free and independent states, they have full Power to levy War, conclude peace, contract alliances to regulate commerce, and other acts and Things which Independent States may of right ".
It is important to note, the Declaration of Independence did not specify how the "free and independent States" would be governed. During the early years (1777-1781) states were truly independent and only met under the Articles of Confederation. In 1781, the Articles of Confederation were replaced by the US Constitution. The lesson here is that the declaration of independence was essentially a project charter that describes what would happen in a very high level. It would have been impossible to reach a comprehensive agreement and get support for a very detailed plan at this stage, but it was time to announce the change in terms of breaking ties with Britain.
possess
The last 31 words (2%) of the Declaration was the commitment of the leaders of change to see the change by promising "to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." 56 signatories solemnly signed their names on the document immediately change the course of their lives, and ultimately change the course of humanity. Everyone knew that the signing of the Declaration would be considered an act of betrayal of Britain, a crime punishable by hanging. But they also knew publish an anonymous statement would not have had much, if any, impact on the status quo.
The 56 signatories were immediately pursued the massive man hunt and had to live "on the go" for several years. 17 signatories have lost everything they had, some have lost their families and homes. 5 of them were captured and imprisoned, but not one of them has never given up their signature or support for the Declaration.
The implementation of the change in a company or an established organization presents unique challenges. Help you and your company meet its goals of continuous improvement.
Jon Padfield, Phd
Contact us today
https://profferbrainchild.com/
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