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Monday, July 18, 2011
Kurt Lewin Model of Change
Kurt Lewin
Change Management Model
Kurt Lewin emigrated from Germany to America during the 1930's. Lewin is recognised as the "founder of social psychology" which immediately points to his interest in the human aspect of change.
His interest in groups led to research focusing on factors that influence people to change, and three stages needed to make change successful.
Unfreeze, Change, Freeze
Kurt Lewin proposed a three stage theory of change commonly referred to as Unfreeze, Change, Freeze (or Refreeze). It is possible to take these stages to quite complicated levels but I don't believe this is necessary to be able to work with the theory. But be aware that the theory has been criticised for being too simplistic.
A lot has changed since the theory was originally presented in 1947, but the Kurt Lewin model is still extremely relevant. Many other more modern change models are actually based on the Kurt Lewin model. I'm going to head down a middle road and give you just enough information to make you dangerous...and perhaps a little more to whet your appetite!
So, three stages. Unfreezing, Change, Freezing. Let's look at each of these.
Stage 1: Unfreezing
The Unfreezing stage is probably one of the more important stages to understand in the world of change we live in today. This stage is about getting ready to change. It involves getting to a point of understanding that change is necessary, and getting ready to move away from our current comfort zone.This first stage is about preparing ourselves, or others, before the change (and ideally creating a situation in which we want the change).
The more we feel that change is necessary, the more urgent it is, the more motivated we are to make the change. Right? Yes, of course! If you understand procrastination (like I do!) then you'd recognise that the closer the deadline, the more likely you are to snap into action and actually get the job started!
With the deadline comes some sort of reward or punishment linked to the job. If there's no deadline, then the urge to change is lower than the need to change. There's much lower motivation to make a change and get on with it.
Unfreezing and getting motivated for the change is all about weighing up the 'pro's' and 'con's' and deciding if the 'pro's' outnumber the 'con's' before you take any action. This is the basis of what Kurt Lewin called the Force Field Analysis.
Force Field Analysis is a fancy way of saying that there are lots of different factors (forces) for and against making change that we need to be aware of (analysis). If the factors for change outweigh the factors against change we'll make the change. If not, then there's low motivation to change - and if we feel pushed to change we're likely to get grumpy and dig in our heels.
This first 'Unfreezing' stage involves moving ourselves, or a department, or an entire business towards motivation for change. The Kurt Lewin Force Field Analysis is a useful way to understand this process and there are plenty of ideas of how this can be done.
Stage 2: Change - or Transition
Kurt Lewin was aware that change is not an event, but rather a process. He called that process a transition. Transition is the inner movement or journey we make in reaction to a change. This second stage occurs as we make the changes that are needed.People are 'unfrozen' and moving towards a new way of being.
That said this stage is often the hardest as people are unsure or even fearful. Imagine bungey jumping or parachuting. You may have convinced yourself that there is a great benefit for you to make the jump, but now you find yourself on the edge looking down. Scary stuff! But when you do it you may learn a lot about yourself.
This is not an easy time as people are learning about the changes and need to be given time to understand and work with them. Support is really important here and can be in the form of training, coaching, and expecting mistakes as part of the process.
Using role models and allowing people to develop their own solutions also help to make the changes. It's also really useful to keep communicating a clear picture of the desired change and the benefits to people so they don't lose sight of where they are heading.
Stage 3: Freezing (or Refreezing)
Kurt Lewin refers to this stage as freezing although a lot of people refer to it as 'refreezing'. As the name suggests this stage is about establishing stability once the changes have been made. The changes are accepted and become the new norm. People form new relationships and become comfortable with their routines. This can take time.It's often at this point that people laugh and tell me that practically there is never time for this 'freezing' stage. And it's just this that's drawn criticism to the Kurt Lewin model.
In todays world of change the next new change could happen in weeks or less. There is just no time to settle into comfortable routines. This rigidity of freezing does not fit with modern thinking about change being a continuous, sometimes chaotic process in which great flexibility is demanded.
So popular thought has moved away from the concept of freezing. Instead, we should think about this final stage as being more flexible, something like a milkshake or soft serv icecream, in the current favourite flavour, rather than a rigid frozen block. This way 'Unfreezing' for the next change might be easier.
Given today's pace of change this is a reasonable criticism. But it might help to get in touch with what Kurt Lewin was actually saying. In 1947 he wrote:
A change towards a higher level of group performance is frequently short-lived, after a "shot in the arm", group life soon returns to the previous level. This indicates that it does not suffice to define the objective of planned change in group performance as the reaching of a different level. Permanency of the new level, or permanency for a desired period, should be included in the objective.
Kurt Lewin, "Frontiers of Group Dynamics", Human Relations, Volume 1, pp. 5-41 (I added the emphasis)Lewin's concern is about reinforcing the change and ensuring that the desired change is accepted and maintained into the future. Without this people tend to go back to doing what they are used to doing. This is probably what Kurt Lewin meant by freezing - supporting the desired change to make sure it continues and is not lost.
More modern models of change, such as the ADKAR model, are more explicit about this step and include Reinforcement as one of their phases. I've also read this final step of freezing referred to as the lock-in effect. Establishing stability only happens when the new changes are locked-in.
Thinking about change as a journey might make you think that a journey has a beginning , middle, and an end. While this is useful when thinking about the process of change the reality is that this journey doesn't have an end. Lots of rest stops maybe! Some opportunities for settling down for a while. But no end. So be careful about thinking that a change process has a definite end, as the Lewin change management model might seem to suggest.
In what ways do you think this model might be useful for you?
I've found the Kurt Lewin model useful to frame a process of change for people that is quite easy to understand. Of course each stage can be expanded to aid better understanding of the process. Applying the concepts of Unfreezing, and especially the Force Field Analysis, at a personal level can give us insight and help us better understand how we deal with change.
Use Lewins force field analysis to motivate people towards change and understand resistance. Full explanation and free application tool to download.Return from Kurt Lewin Model to Change Management Models, or
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Friday, July 15, 2011
The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value on Shine
The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value
Amy Paturel, http://www.self.com/?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow">SELF magazine
We're not here to demonize any form of produce. After all, every veggie has at least some nutritional value -- and we all need to http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2011/07/country-stars-comfort-food-slideshow?mbi..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">include more vegetables in our http://www.self.com/tips/bikinibody/welcome?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow">diets, not less!
But if you're wondering whether to use iceberg or romaine in your signature summer salad, you may want to check out our list of the veggies with the http://www.self.com/health/2011/07/truth-about-sugar-slideshow?mbid=synd_yshi..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">least nutritional value:
1. Celery: Sure, you can nosh on 8 inches of celery for only 6 calories, but are you really getting any nutrients in return? The answer: Yes, but you'd have to go beyond an 8-inch stalk, which provides a mere 1.6 percent of our daily requirement for calcium and 2 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin C. It does, however, boast a decent amount of fiber and vitamin K. A better alternative: Carrots, which are loaded with eye-protecting beta carotene. Toss them into salads for a low-calorie crunch; braise them as a sweet summer side dish or slice them thin and add them to your favorite stir-fry.
Related: http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2010/06/yoga-for-abs-workout-slideshow?m..." rel="nofollow"> Yoga Moves for Flat Abs
2. Cucumbers: The cucumber is another low-calorie veggie. One cup of sliced cucumber weighs in at only 16 calories. But it's slim on nutrients, too. In fact, cucumbers contain 5 percent or less of our daily requirement for potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C. On the plus side, cucumber extracts (not the whole cucumber) do have a number of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds, like tannins and flavonoids, says Registered Dietitian and Chef Consultant Michelle Dudash. A better alternative: Purslane, a peppery herb that's high in heart-healthy alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3). It's also higher in beta carotene than spinach. Toss it in salads, fold it into omelets or use it as a crunchy green on sandwiches.
See Also: http://www.self.com/healthystars/2011/05/gwyneth-paltrows-arm-and-ab-moves-sl..." rel="nofollow"> Gwyneth Paltrow's Arm and Abs Workout
3. Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., along with potatoes (as French fries) and tomatoes, but that doesn't mean it's the healthiest option. While iceberg is low in calories and offers some vitamins and fiber, other dark leafy greens contain much more vitamin A and C. A better alternative: Romaine lettuce, which offers much more beta carotene than iceberg. Use romaine in a traditional wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette, or layer it on turkey sandwiches.
More from http://www.self.com/?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow">SELF:
- http://www.self.com/healthystars/2011/05/gwyneth-paltrows-arm-and-ab-moves-sl..." rel="nofollow"> http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2011/06/12-ways-to-think-slim-slideshow?mbid=syn..." rel="nofollow">12 Ways to Think Yourself Slim
- http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2010/06/yoga-for-abs-workout-slideshow?m..." rel="nofollow"> http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2011/06/bikini-body-workout-slideshow?mb..." rel="nofollow">The Ultimate Bikini Body Workout
- http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2008/07/foods-for-weight-loss?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow"> Superfoods for Weight Loss
- http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2011/05/truth-about-coconut-water-slideshow?mbid..." rel="nofollow"> http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2011/07/rock-star-body-slideshow?mbid=sy..." rel="nofollow">Lady Gaga's Abs Workout
Related: vitamins, vegetables, self magazine, nutrition, minerals, cucumber, celery
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Fast Fix: Will we hit the debt ceiling? | The Fast Fix - Yahoo! News
The federal government will default on its loans in 20 days unless politicians can reach across the aisle and come up with a deal to raise the debt ceiling, a tall order at a time when the two parties couldn't be further apart.
The federal government will default on its loans in 20 days if the White House and congressional Republicans can't come up with a deal to raise the debt ceiling.
And, the two sides haven't been further apart -- publicly at least -- for months.
Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has established a reputation as someone willing to work across the partisan aisle, said this weekend that he'd bet against a deal getting done.
While the situation is decidedly fluid, there's lots and lots of pessimism about the prospects for a deal. If no deal is reached, the political consequences of default are chaotic and potentially cataclysmic for both parties.
President Obama was elected in large part on his promise to make the government work again. If he becomes the first president not to get a debt limit through Congress, it undermines that promise.
Congressional Republicans won the House majority in 2010 but did so without convincing the American people they were ready to lead. A default would be a major setback in their attempt to make that case.
I've always thought that fears that voters would take a "pox on both your houses" attitude would keep the default from happening. But, the deadline is getting closer and closer and the two sides are moving further and further apart. I see plenty of losers, but it's unclear who's winning here.
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
5 Foods that Keep You Thin - Healthy Living on Shine
Take a look around any book store, and you'll find dozens of diet books lining the shelves. Despite their bright and cheerful covers, with their positive, upbeat claims, many of them are filled with information that promotes all the wrong messages.
It's true: Apples can help you stay thin. (Thinkstock)
"The word 'diet' is negative and implies people can go on and off them," said Jane Korsberg, a senior instructor in the department of nutrition at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Korsberg is one nutritionist who thinks it would be better to re-think the whole concept of dieting.
"'Diet foods' are confusing to many people," she explained. "What diet is the 'diet food' geared for? Is it low-calorie, low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar, gluten-free, et cetera?"
Besides, many of the foods that specifically target dieters seem to rarely satisfy. Take those 100-calorie snack packs, for example, made to help people control calories. Those often don't even work, Korsberg says. After all, few people actually stop at only one pack.
You don't need fancy plans or complicated point systems to be thin. All you need to do is make smart food choices, watch your portion sizes and stay active.
"Learning to eat properly for a lifetime is more beneficial," Korsberg said. "The emphasis should be on choosing healthful foods every day and changing lifestyles for the better."
So instead of sticking to diet fare, fill up on nutritious, wholesome foods. And if you need some recommendations, you can start with these five options, which are among the many delicious foods that make a good addition to healthy eating while keeping you slender.
Apples
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber not only contributes to a healthy digestive system and reduced cholesterol, but it also benefits smart eaters by yielding no calories while keeping them satisfied.
And there's something else about the fruit that might help you feel full. A study in the journal "Appetite" found that when women added either three apples or three pears to their daily meals, they lost more weight than people who added three oat cookies to their diets -- even though the fruit and the cookies contained the exact same amount of dietary fiber.
Although the reason behind this finding may be a mystery, there is something to be said for the findings. According to Alan Aragon, a nutritionist and author of "Girth Control: The Science of Fat Loss & Muscle Gain," crunchy foods in particular can trick a person into feeling fuller. The act of chewing may send satiety signals to your body, he says, making you think you've eaten more than you really have and keeping hunger at bay.
Almonds
If you're looking for a tasty midday snack, a handful of almonds are a well-regarded option. A study in 2009 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women who ate nuts at least two times a week were more successful at keeping weight off than those who didn't eat this food.
One particular favorite among some nutritionists is almonds, says Aragon. One ounce of this food contains only 167 calories, plus it packs roughly 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber, both nutrients that can make you feel full. Furthermore, like apples, almonds are crunchy and require a lot of chewing, so they, too, can make you feel like you've eaten more than you actually did and keep you fuller longer.
Salmon
If you're uncertain about fish, there's no need to fear. Seafood can be part of a healthy diet. And there's some evidence that the fat in foods such as salmon can boost satiety levels, says Aragon. For example, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate salmon a few times a week, they lost about two more pounds than those who didn't include seafood in their meals.
And in spite of the mention of salmon's fat content, the food is relatively low in calories. One 3-oz. serving has just 175 calories. Salmon is a good source of protein as well.
Eggs
There's no doubt that protein, like fiber, has impressive satiating powers. And while eggs seem to have a bad reputation in some circles, there can be no contesting their ability to help keep your weight in check.
Research has shown that eating eggs at breakfast can help you fight weight gain all day long. A study reported in 2008 in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate two eggs for breakfast for five days out of the week, they lost 65 percent more weight than dieters who consumed a bagel in the morning. Although protein is likely to fill you up whenever you eat it, some scientists suspect that having more in the morning can keep you feeling fuller all day long.
Tomatoes
It's true that most veggies make for great diet fare. Non-starchy vegetables in particular, such as carrots, celery and spinach, are filled with fiber. Like other foods high in fiber, they can help keep you feeling satiated.
Plus, they're pretty self-regulating, says Aragon. You can't really overeat with nonstarchy vegetables. After all, how many baby carrots can a person eat without needing to dunk them in some ranch dressing?
So while there are many veggies that can help you stay slim, tomatoes might be a particularly good option because they're so tasty. And, besides, with that whole a-tomato-is-a-vegetable-no-it's-a-fruit argument, you might have forgotten all about eating them. One cup of cooked, red tomatoes contains just 43 calories, but tastes just as delicious as any number of high-calorie foods.
And that's at least half the secret, finding foods that are both healthy and tasty. The good thing is, they do exist. Over time, you'll discover what wholesome, filling foods you prefer, expanding your choices while shrinking your waistline.
By: Kristin McGrath
Photodisc/Photodiscs/Getty Images
"5 Foods That Keep You Thin" courtesy of LIVESTRONG.COM
References:
"The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Nuts and weight; Maira Bes-Rastrollo
"Obesity"; Eggs and bagel study: 2008
"Nutrition":Green tea supplementation: Arpita Basu
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Difference Between Leadership and Management
- Leadership and Management - Image by Frank Smith
Business Management Education: A guide to answering the question, "What is the difference between leadership and management?"Management and leadership are two words in the business world which are often used interchangeably. Whilst a person operating at a sufficiently senior level within an organisation will often be required to exhibit both qualities, the fact remains that leadership and management should be considered as two distinctive subjects, despite the understanding that they are often indivisibly linked.
What is Management?
Common definitions of management consider that the task of management includes the planning, controlling and execution of processes and tasks within an organisation. As such, the consideration is that management is largely an organisational skill, based around the organisation of resources.
Typically management is seen as a task and skill set, which is aimed at maintaining the status quo within an organisation. As such, the functions of management are often associated with target setting, budgeting and other activities which facilitate control.
Six Sigma Certification Earn the Six Sigma Credentials That Will Set You Apart - 100% Online www.VillanovaU.com/SixSigmaWhat is Leadership?
Leadership on the other hand, is usually associated with the specific management of people. This however, is a little blunt for a definition and limits the scope of the concept of leadership somewhat. A wider and more appropriate definition of leadership would be to consider that leadership is the general advocacy of a direction or vision within an organisation.
As such, leadership is associated, not with the specific instructions and controls linked to management. Instead, leadership involves the inspiration and motivation of groups and individuals within an organisation, with the aim of allowing those groups and individuals to bring about the desired vision of the leader.
What is the Difference Between Leadership and Management?
An often overly simplified distinction between the tasks of leadership and management is to consider that management applies to “things” whilst, leadership applies to people. However, this is to over-simplify the distinction and misses the point somewhat.
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A better analysis would be to consider that management is a skill based around the organisation of both people and resources, in order to maintain current processes and practises, or at achieve a specific predetermined outcome. On the other hand, leadership is concerned with the provision of communications, inspiration and motivation to enable people and resources to create change within an organisation.
In summary, despite the fact that leadership and management are two separate disciplines, one consideration is that for many occupying a management role both qualities will often be required. However, knowing the difference between management and leadership may help an individual to perform both tasks more effectively.
Sources:
- Mullins, L, J. 2009. Management and organisational behaviour. 8th ed. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.
Leadership Skills
Workshop materials to teach business leadership skills.
CorporateTrainingMaterials.comCopyright Frank Smith. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Frank Smith - Frank Smith currently works as an full time industry analyst for a well known construction company in Lincolnshire. In his spare time, ...
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