Since many technical problems are also social problems, social change is sometimes part of the work of a technical leader.
In Switch, Chip Heath and Dan Heath explain how to bring about change. Before reading the book, I conceived of leading change primarily as analysis and argument: understand the problem, propose a solution, and make a compelling case for the solution. Of course there is collaboration involved, but if we collaborate we’ll collaborate on understanding the problem, on proposing the solution, and on expressing the reasons for our solution.
In Switch, they show that effective change needs to address three areas:
- our passion – our emotions, identity, and priorities
- our logic – this is the part I was familiar with before
- the practical steps
A proposal that is only logical might bring assent but not change. A proposal that we connect with emotionally will make us keen to change, but if it’s not logical we won’t carry it out. Even if it is logical and aligns with our passion, if the practical steps are too difficult, we won’t actually change. An effective change proposal needs to appeal to our passion, our intellect, and have a simple and actionable plan.