Five Different Reactions to Change
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Understanding how people react to change can
help those charged with leading the change. Different people react in different ways at
different times. It is important to note that this is not intended to
pigeon-hole people. If you stop to reflect, you may well be able to think of
examples of changes when you have fitted in each of the five categories. |
1. Early Risers -
these people like change, almost for changes sake. They are the first people you see
with the new craze - often before you realise that it is a craze. Very often this group
are into technology and have gadgets galore. They are a relatively rare breed!
2. The Early Adapters will follow the
Early Risers once they are comfortable that the change is a good one, or at
least that it is likely to be OK. Seeing the logic behind the change helps them accept it.
They often accept that there is some element of risk involved.
3. The Crowd - the majority of the
population will follow a change once it is becoming the accepted norm.
4. The Legitimisers - found within the
crowd, and often amongst the slowest to be convinced naturally. They are people with two
important characteristics. Firstly, they will carefully evaluate new ideas, because they
are independent thinkers who need to make up their minds for themselves. Secondly, they
are known and respected by the crowd. Once their minds are made up, it can help others to
reach their decisions.
5. Finally, the Resisters - people who are
against the change from the moment they hear about it. Their resistance may be passive -
they will do nothing to help the change, and may grumble consistently, or it may be active
resistance - where they will lobby against the change, trying hard to prevent it from
happening.
Back to Step 2 - Forming a Change
Team
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