Change is fluid. Like the ocean tides, change can have a degree of predictability. Like the storm-driven swells, change can also randomly toss you about and threaten to pull you under the surface.

Change affects various groups of people differently, and balancing the dynamic between members of a team is essential to success. There are many well-worn concepts floating about but one of my favorites is the traffic-light model that designates an individual’s readiness for change. Red is not ready to consider change, yellow is cautiously optimistic of change, and green signifies already in the process of changing with no barriers. This may apply to any behavior, or environmental change, and readiness can vary depending on the topic. For a pharmacy example, you could be a green for administering vaccinations, a yellow for sharing duties with a regulated technician, and a red for minor-ailment prescribing.

Perhaps after a year or two of flu shots, you’ve got it figured out; it’s an enjoyable part of the job to educate folks on the value of vaccinations in general, and the staff keep the appointments on track. At the same time, this new profession has appeared on the horizon. Technician regulation has been in the works for some time, but now candidates are ready to take the reins. It sounds like they will help allow pharmacists to further immerse themselves into clinical duties, but many will hesitate not knowing if they will be ultimately liable for mistakes made by a technician. It will take time to get comfortable. Finally, meeting the demands of patients arriving at the pharmacy with rashes and cold sores is causing some angst; what will the family doctor think? Will I miss a red-flag? What if I make the problem worse? What references should I use?

It’s a good thing change is fluid, as the personal experiences come and others provide positive reinforcement, that red light may assume an orange hue on it’s way to yellow.

Within a team, everyone may be a different color. Anytime change is imminent, psychological reactance rears its head as members of the group digest how it will affect them. Like a newly-diagnosed diabetic told to avoid sugary foods will obsess about ice cream on the drive home, our first reaction is to resist change until we feel in control of it. We’re all different, so the timelines to readiness, and the conditions required to move towards green will vary. The thing is, that diversity is essential for effective group change. I’m sure some of you figure that the red lights are counter-productive. In fact, those in the room that come across as negative and always have reasons to maintain the status quo are just as important as the go-getters that see the limitless sky. The key is the right balance, as mentioned above.

Take a buoy floating on our change ocean:

*Image courtesy of http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Malta/South/Malta/Valletta/photo1396766.htm

Let’s say the green, ready-to-inspire, ready-to-act group is the beacon on the top of the buoy. They are visible, shine the light, and can direct people away from the rocks or mark a position. The middle section above the water is heftier. They are the yellow group, watching with hopeful intent that the beacon will indeed take them where they want to go. The red group are the ballast, bobbing just below the surface, providing an anchor and stability to the structure. Their reasons for staying in the water could be entirely reasonable, and there may be barriers they are not yet ready to overcome. This perspective is healthy, and spurs debate. Perhaps those ready to go are overlooking a valid point that may undermine long-term success. In their eagerness, a plan is not well-defined or executed, so a pull from below is necessary to evaluate the next steps.

Too much green, and the structure is top-heavy: chances are good it will topple over and float wherever the ocean decides. Too much yellow, and the beacon will be dim by comparison; although the buoy is a functional structure, initiating change is less aggressive, and will take a lot longer. Too much red, and more of the structure sinks into the depths, rendering it ineffective.

As far as I’m concerned, if we want to reach the sky, let’s make sure we foster a balance that keeps our buoy pointed up straight and tall.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.