Change Management and Sun Cream: Surprising Similarities

In this episode of Business Problems Solved, host Lee Horton draws an unexpected analogy between change management and sun cream. He reflects on his recent family holiday and compares the role of change management in protecting individuals from the harmful effects of change to the function of sun cream in shielding people from the sun. Lee emphasises the importance of recognising that change affects individuals differently and that different levels of support and communication may be necessary. He encourages listeners to approach change management with a personalised and adaptable approach, just as one would choose the appropriate sun cream factor for different individuals. Overall, this episode offers a unique perspective on change management and provides practical insights for successfully navigating organisational change.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Change management and sun cream are similar in that they both act as barriers between something (change or the sun) and people. Change management is there to protect individuals from the harmful effects of change, just as sun cream protects individuals from the harmful effects of the sun.
• Just as different people have different tolerances to the sun, different people respond differently to change. Change management should take into account the individual needs and responses of people involved in the change process.
• Change management, like sun cream, should be applied regularly and with the end goal in mind. It should not be a one-time event, but an ongoing process that considers the different factors and variables at play.
• People who may appear resistant to change may simply need a different level of support or communication. Just as some people need a higher factor sun cream, some individuals may require more frequent or tailored communication to help them navigate the change process.
• It is important to treat change management as a positive and necessary aspect of implementing change, rather than a negative barrier. Just as sun cream protects and enhances the tanning process, change management helps individuals and teams transition successfully to their desired state.

BEST MOMENTS
"Change management is often seen as a barrier between the change and or the solution and people."
"Change management is there to protect you from the harmful effects that change can have."
"Often people don't fear change, they fear being changed."
"Change management is like sun cream. It needs to be applied regularly, but with the goal in mind."
"Just remember everybody that is on your program, that is a person, and that person may need a different level of support, a different level of protection, a different level of a barrier between them and the actual change itself."

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Business Problems Solved Podcast         

CONTACT METHOD
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194
Lee@leehoughton.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

ABOUT THE HOST
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.