Spoon-feeding change

When a new idea or change is not accepted, it is frequently due to a communication failure. Not informing folks is an obvious problem. However, introducing too much detail all at once can be equally problematic.

I have been thinking about this problem for a while. Here’s my summary of the problem, the tenets, and the recommended solution. Please provide your comments before we roll this out to the rest of the team.

That is too much information up front. You are pedaling at 30 mph, whereas the team is only gearing up to go on a bicycle ride.

The result is often chaos. Some folks are disagreeing on the original problem description. Others don’t like the solution. Others may have a different vision of where we should be going and don’t even think this is a problem. You are off to series of frustrating meetings and discussions.

Instead, try spoon-feeding the change. Break it into pieces over different discussions, and get buy-in before you go to the next step.

Agree on the problem

Here’s a problem I observe. Do you agree? Did I capture the problem correctly? Do you agree with the stated assumptions (aka tenets)? Do you agree that it is important to tackle this problem now? Who should be involved in finding a solution to this problem?