Principles of the Sensible Model

Underlying fundamental principles

Here are the fundamental principles of the approach contained in the Sensible Model for Change:

• Understand the organisation and its situation by studying the organisation's dynamics in both qualitative and quantitative terms

• Create a social foundation for change within the organisation which guides the programme team through the change jungle

• Live with instability by creating a ready-for-change attitude, accepting that mistakes will be made and amplifying feedback from inside and outside the organisation

• Expect the unexpected as different parts of the change come together

• As change takes place, do not overreact as new patterns of behaviour spark into life

• Organise to take quick, radical decisions, which may initially seem random, within an overall programme rationale and structure

• Use intense communication to link change processes back to the existing and eventually reformed organisational structure and other artefacts

• Keep an open mind to all suggestions and recommendations

• Go back to initial conditions set for the programme and monitor whether change remains within boundaries of reasonableness and organisational comfort - before needlessly sounding alarm bells

• Allow the old and the new to coexist within the organisation.

• Do not rely on one method or one technique to manage change; pick and apply appropriately for each situation and stage as part of the overall approach.

Working combination