What Blocks Change?
Conscious change is also about understanding what blocks or limits the very change we're trying to make.
When we want to improve a relationship, grow our business, improve the environment or introduce a new idea, we start with good intentions and communicate as best we can. But when people don't act the way we hope for, our negative mindset kicks in. We start to judge, blame or get angry. Our actions reflect this, as we begin pushing, selling or pressuring others. And that's only natural; we all react this way when things aren't going right. The question is, what impact does it have on others?
Think of it in personal terms:
Conscious change is also about understanding what blocks or limits the very change we're trying to make.
When we want to improve a relationship, grow our business, improve the environment or introduce a new idea, we start with good intentions and communicate as best we can. But when people don't act the way we hope for, our negative mindset kicks in. We start to judge, blame or get angry. Our actions reflect this, as we begin pushing, selling or pressuring others. And that's only natural; we all react this way when things aren't going right. The question is, what impact does it have on others?
Think of it in personal terms:
- if someone tells you to change, how do you respond?
- if someone tries to convince, force or guilt you to behave differently, how do you react?
- if they consider only their interests, how do you feel?
Now let's take that into the "real world."
How often do we:
When we treat others in ways that wouldn't work with us, it doesn't make sense to expect great results. Yet we do it all the time - with customers and staff. Spouses or partners. Companies/people we buy from. Politicians. Business leaders. Government. The public. And especially those we see as rivals or "enemies."
If we want real change, what's more powerful is to "think and feel" into where other people are.** This helps us understand their needs and wants, speak to the highest in them, and create a bridge between us. We can then become even more effective by "being the change." Discovering what helps us to overcome our own blocks, challenges and fears helps us better understand and support others with theirs.
**Compliments and credit to Donald Cooper, a top international marketing consultant, for developing the idea of "thinking and feeling into the needs of the customer."
How can we use conscious change?
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I'm experiencing some of these; how can you help?
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How often do we:
- tell others what to do
- try to convince people we're right
- "market" to them to get them to buy
- use pressure, force or "shoulds" to motivate action (in others, or ourselves)
- attack or make fun of others' views or values, when we disagree with them?
When we treat others in ways that wouldn't work with us, it doesn't make sense to expect great results. Yet we do it all the time - with customers and staff. Spouses or partners. Companies/people we buy from. Politicians. Business leaders. Government. The public. And especially those we see as rivals or "enemies."
If we want real change, what's more powerful is to "think and feel" into where other people are.** This helps us understand their needs and wants, speak to the highest in them, and create a bridge between us. We can then become even more effective by "being the change." Discovering what helps us to overcome our own blocks, challenges and fears helps us better understand and support others with theirs.
**Compliments and credit to Donald Cooper, a top international marketing consultant, for developing the idea of "thinking and feeling into the needs of the customer."
How can we use conscious change?
Articles and examples
I'm experiencing some of these; how can you help?
Site directory: Click on three white bars at top of page