Moving the Elephant

One of the most useful ideas in change management is the Rider and the Elephant.

The Rider is logic. The Elephant is emotion.

Most change initiatives focus on the Rider.

• We explain the business case.
• We share the benefits.
• We provide training.

But understanding the change and feeling ready for the change are not the same thing.

The Elephant sees the climb ahead.

• The uncertainty.
• The effort.
• The discomfort of letting go of what is familiar.

As change leaders, our role isn't to drag the Elephant up the mountain.

It's to help it take the next step.

• To acknowledge the discomfort.
• To create certainty where we can.
• To build confidence.
• To show empathy when the climb feels hard.

Because people are more willing to move through difficult emotions when they believe the destination will be worth it.

The Rider may understand the destination. But it is kindness to the Elephant that keeps people moving.