Inside-Out Change
Perspectives on Inside-Out ChangeIt is the inside-out aspects of the change process that hold out the most potential for real change. Unless the individual takes personal responsibility to do something different, then change will not happen. Change requires action - knowing is doing. As a result change only happens now - in the moment - yesterday has gone and tomorrow never comes. Interestingly, inside-out chnage is is the least used and least understood of the four change dimensions. It's usually someone or something else outside ourselves that needs to change - not us.
When the "why change" question is asked, the top-down arguments, outside-in demands and bottom-up pressures tend to dominate the debate. But they often fail to address the fundamental issue, namely that it is people who make change happen though the way they think and the choices they make. Change is not about taking charge or taking orders, it requires internal dialogue, the acceptance of personal responsibility in making a shift one's own thinking and actions. It's about taking responsibility for our own choices and actions..
You choose how you spend your time, what you pay attention to, the ideas you generate, the knowledge you create, the passion and energy you bring to what you do, not to mention the networks and relationships you develop. These are your real change assets. Leadership for change is inspiring others to take responsibility and commit to doing things differently.