The Process of Change

In the chapter on change in Spiral Dynamics Integral, Don Beck claims that positive and lasting change is the result of changes in the life situation of the person or group. When the life conditions are oriented properly so that they support the individual or group in positive transformation, change will occur naturally. Our focus, then, should not be in trying to get individuals or groups to change by external pressure but by providing the appropriate life conditions.

First, there needs to be a Dissatisfaction with the way things are. When people begin to realize that the current situation is not working, meeting their needs or providing the opportunities for growth and development one desires, dissatisfaction will begin to emerge.

Second, as individuals begin to realize that a better life situation is possible, then Desire will begin to increase. As Dissatisfaction and Desire increase to a level of critical mass, the process of change will begin as individuals and groups seek solutions to their problems. As long as people are happy where they are at and have no desire to improve, then change will not occur.

Third, as Dissatisfaction and Desire increase, Problems are identified and solutions are sought. If an individual or group gets stuck and believes that there are no solutions to their problems, the cycle of change will short circuit. However, if the pain of the problems is strong enough, then a process of trying various solutions will begin.

Fourth, in order to find adequate solutions to the Problems, the right Resources must be available. If the right Resources are not available, or are overlooked, then change cannot take place. It is important for leaders to seek out the proper Resources that will enable change to take place.

Fifth, when the Problems have been identified and the right Resources have been found, then the leader needs to find the right Content that will solve the Problems with the Resources at hand. Leaders must ask, “What changes need to take place in the life situation of the individual or group in order to move to the next level?” If the right Content is not given, then the Resources will not be used to solve the Problems in a way that produces Transformation.

As leaders, we must always ask ourselves and our followers to evaluate our situation in order to create dissatisfaction and desire before we seek to implement change. Often we get frustrated because we try to get individuals or groups to change before they feel a need to change. This needs to be our primary function as change agents if we are to be effective