Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Just like David Bowie’s rock classic ‘Changes’, TAI’s Senior Advisor Gay Burns’ ability to deliver positive change on the global stage has stood the test of time – over three decades! As part of our commitment to support HR leaders make ‘Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes’ at the highest level, we’d like to share a key outtake from our recent ‘Green Room Session’ with Gay.

As someone who has navigated the corporate world for three decades, particularly in HR, I’ve come to rely on a simple yet powerful equation that has guided me throughout my career: Q x A = E. This equation, which I learned 25 years ago, has been instrumental in reinforcing the value of HR’s involvement in the Change Journey.

Understanding Q x A = E

This isn’t about complex calculations like Six Sigma. It’s far more straightforward yet equally impactful. In this equation, Quality (Q) represents what we’re changing – it could be a new process, technology, or organizational structure. Acceptance (A), on the other hand, is how well this change is embraced by the people it impacts. The product of these two, Effectiveness (E), is what matters most. For example, a top-notch process (Q=10) poorly accepted (A=3) results in an effectiveness of just 30. Conversely, even a less perfect process (Q=8) with high acceptance (A=10) can achieve an effectiveness of 80. Multiplying the Quality by the Acceptance magnifies the importance of both, demonstrating how poor acceptance can ultimately defeat the most expensive, creative solutions organizations can build.

I’ve found that business executives grasp the importance of HR involvement more clearly with this equation than by simply advocating for people’s involvement in abstract terms. It quantifies, while also reminding us of the value of the human aspect in organizational change.

This approach is not just theoretical. It was born from the study of change challenges encountered in actual corporate settings.

Applying the equation in real-world scenarios

This approach is not just theoretical. It was born from the study of change challenges encountered in actual corporate settings. The genesis of a consulting team commissioned by Jack Welch, then Chairman and CEO of General Electric (‘GE’). Welch was frustrated by the rate of adoption throughout the business, coming to realize that GE was entering an era of constant change.

The team studied hundreds of projects and business initiatives. One of their insights was that a high-quality technical strategy solution is insufficient to guarantee success. An astonishingly high percentage of failed projects had excellent technical plans. The Change Effectiveness Equation underscores that the success of any initiative is as much about its acceptance as its technical quality.

Why this equation matters to me

It’s a reminder that effective change is about harmonizing the technical and human elements. This equation is more than a professional mantra; it’s a philosophy that underpins my work in HR and change journeys. I’ve consistently applied this equation to successfully demonstrate the importance of partnering change managers and HR professionals, helping them to build deeper connections with impacted employees.

It’s a reminder that effective change is about harmonizing the technical and human elements.

Looking ahead: Change journeys with a human focus

Intuitively we know the importance of acceptance, yet according to the Human Capital Institute only “32% of high-performing organizations (HPO) and 19% of non HPO attempt to evoke an emotional connection to the change cause”. The emotional connection is critical for highly effective change. This is where TAI Group thrives and why as I continue in my role at TAI Group, my focus remains on advocating for and applying this equation in various organizational contexts. It’s not just about tackling current challenges but also about preparing organizations for future resilience and adaptability.

If you would like to learn more about tailored approaches to changing demands, ensuring that change is not only implemented but also effectively embraced, please feel free to contact me.