Change Implementation Techniques for Laying a Foundation for New Ways

Technique 1.26 History Trip

Introduction

. This is a procedure to reconstruct the history of an organisation and to identify the significant events in its history.

. It is based on the assumption that it is best to work from the core outwards, ie if an organisation

"... lacks a strong sense of identity and unity at its core ‐ clear self‐image ‐ it is difficult for other aspects of the system to work well..."

Bob Dick et al, 1990

Thus the sequence to follow is

‐ who are we (identity and unity)?

‐ why are we here (direction and purpose)?

‐ how do we do things (practices and procedures)?

‐ what actually happens (behaviours and relationships)?

. Linked with this are a shared history and vision

. Other outcomes from this procedure can include

‐ improving relationships between participants through the high levels of legitimate self‐disclosure that the process enables

‐ reinforcing the concept that the present is an outcome of the past, and that they can begin to work from the present towards a designed future

‐ demonstrating that the past has stability in some values but changes others, and can encourage people to review the most deeply‐held values/beliefs/mindsets, etc and accept that some are changeable

NB Sometimes people resist change because they perceive/assume that past values and achievements are not appreciated.

Process

. There are 4 main steps

i) compile a timeline or history of the organisation

ii) identify past and present significant events in a timeline

iii) identify the trends

iv) identify the implications for follow‐up activities

. This is best done using storytelling, such as

"...the event I remember most is......

do you remember that what happened was......

I decided on it because then.....

Now when I think about it.....

When I look back, the event that stands out is.....

What I remember happening was......

It meant a lot to me at the time because......

Now when I look back on it, I think..."

Bob Dick et al, 1990

(source: Bob Dick et al, 1990)