Technique 5.35      Broaden-and-Build Change Management Assessment Tool (BBCMD)

Introduction

Purpose of the technique is to assess whether a change initiative is generating the positive emotional conditions needed for openness s, creativity, resilience and collaboration: assess whether a change initiative is generating the positive emotions that broaden thinking and build long-term organisational capability.  They are needed for success.

Rating Scale

Score

Meaning

1

Strongly Disagree

2

Disagree

3

Neutral/Unsure

4

Agree

5

Strongly Agree

Statements

1. Hope and Future Orientation

Hope broadens thinking and motivates people to invest effort in change.

Assessment Questions

1

2

3

4

5

1.1 People understand the positive future the change aims to create.

1.2 Leaders communicate a compelling and inspiring vision.

1.3 Staff believe the change will lead to improvement.

1.4 Conversations about the change focus on possibilities rather than problems.

1.5 People feel optimistic about the organisation’s direction.

Interpretation

Score

Meaning

20–25

Strong hope driving engagement

12–19

Moderate hope but fragile

5–11

Low hope with risk of resistance

2. Interest and Curiosity

Interest drives exploration and learning during change.

Assessment Questions

1

2

3

4

5

2.1 Staff show curiosity about new approaches.

2.2 The change encourages experimentation.

2.3 People feel safe asking questions.

2.4 Leaders invite ideas from staff.

2.5 The organisation encourages learning during the transition.

Interpretation

Score

Meaning

20–25

High exploration and innovation

12–19

Some curiosity but limited experimentation

5–11

Low curiosity and rigid thinking likely

3. Trust and Social Connection

Positive emotions strengthen relationships and collaboration.

Assessment Question

1

2

3

4

5

3.1 Staff trust leadership intentions regarding the change.

3.2 Teams support one another during the transition.

3.3 Communication about the change is open and honest.

3.4 People feel comfortable sharing concerns.

3.5 Collaboration across teams is improving.

Interpretation

Score

Meaning

20–25

Strong social capital

12–19

Moderate trust but vulnerable

5–11

Low trust – change likely to stall

4. Pride and Achievement

Recognition builds confidence and momentum.

Assessment Question

1

2

3

4

5

1.1  Progress and milestones are recognised.

4.2 Teams celebrate achievements during the change process.

4.3 People feel proud of improvements made so far.

4.4 Leaders acknowledge contributions publicly.

4.5 Success stories are shared widely.

Interpretation

Score

Meaning

20–25

Strong motivation and momentum

12–19

Some recognition but inconsistent

5–11

Effort unnoticed and motivation declining

5. Psychological Safety

Psychological safety enables risk-taking and learning.

Assessment Question

1

2

3

4

5

5.1 People feel safe admitting mistakes.

5.2 Staff can challenge ideas respectfully.

5.3 Leaders respond constructively to problems.

5.4 Learning is valued more than blame.

5.5 People feel comfortable trying new approaches.

Interpretation

Score

Meaning

20–25

High learning environment

12–19

Partial safety

5–11

Fear culture – innovation suppressed

Overall Broaden-and-Build Score

Total Score

Interpretation

100–125

Highly positive emotional climate and strong change capability

70–99

Moderate support for change but improvement needed

40–69

Emotional climate likely limiting change success

25–39

High risk of resistance and stagnation

Assessment Insight for Leaders

If scores are low, leaders should focus on generating specific positive emotions:

Emotion

Leadership Action

1. Hope

Communicate a compelling future vision

2. Interest

Encourage experimentation

3. Gratitude

Recognise contributions

4. Pride

Celebrate milestones

5. Inspiration

Share stories of success

These emotions broaden thinking and build organisational capability over time.

(main source: Barbara Fredrickson, 2001)

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