Change is not one-size-fits-all. People move at different paces according to what they perceive as inside or outside their comfort zones, the amount of trust they have in their support network, and how much perceived value the change has for them.

This is oftentimes why formal change management programs aren't as effective--introducing change and implementing change require different approaches. Sometimes, moving the needle a smidgen towards the right (or left) can feel like a big change for the individual and which can often result in positive, behavioral shifts in the workplace.

Below are sixteen simple actions to "move the needle" towards becoming a Responsible Risktaker.

Saboteurs

At one end of the spectrum are individuals who have a tendency to derail change initiatives or to even sabotage their own success in accepting change. These professionals can be found throughout an organization and are not limited to front line workers. You can often find managers with control issues who sabotage change because they are invested in the broken status quo.

2 Simple Actions to Take:

* Introduce change in small doses
* Prevent individuals from going underground

Risk Avoider

These individuals have a tendency to channel their fears into avoidance behaviors. They will typically avoid tasks or activities perceived as having no known outcomes. You will also find them avoiding situations that they consider politically charged or more confrontational in nature.

3 Simple Actions to Take:

* Provide frequent, positive feedback on small actions
* Help these individuals reframe the change into personal benefits (What's In It for Me)
* Provide them with options that are more team-oriented in nature

Risk Skeptic

These professionals, although similar in some ways to Risk Avoiders, won't typically avoid change unless they think the supporting data is flawed or weak. They'll home right in on the data (or lack thereof) and will be the person who sits cross-arm in the back of the room with the look of skepticism on their face. If presented with convincing data and clearly stated benefits, they're willing to adopt new ways of working the "risktaking muscle".

3 Simple Actions to Take:

* Provide a risk mitigation plan as part of your supporting data
* Offer a Cost Benefits Analysis (CBA)
* Help them visualize the changes

Risk Adopter

These individuals are more comfortable dealing with change and the dynamics surrounding change. They've been working their risktaking muscles and are learning how to manage and define unknown outcomes by frequently shifting outside their comfort zone.

3 Simple Actions to Take:

* Guide them through a formal change management process
* Enhance their resilience learning by coaching them through setbacks
* Provide them with tips on how to create their own safety net

Reckless Maverick

At the other end of the spectrum, these professionals are almost too comfortable with the riskier moves in business. They prefer to work alone and have a tendency to assume little or no responsibility for the outcome of their actions, preferring that others "clean up their mess".

3 Simple Actions to Take:

* Coach and mentor these individuals in the "art of accountability"
* Keep them responsible for the impact of riskier behavior by assigning them as an ongoing advisor / mentor to their former team mates.
* Provide leadership and Responsible Risktaking™ training

Objective --> Responsible Risktaker

These professionals assume responsibility and accountability for their actions and decisions. They have political cache and the ability to leverage the right business models and communication skills when influencing and persuading others to adopt change and adapt their behaviors.

2 Simple Actions to Take:

* Prepare them for leadership roles-mentoring and coaching
* Help them "flex" their Personal Risktaking Style for leading others through entrepreneurial behavior shifts

© 2010 Dolores McCrorey, Risktaking for Success LLC. All Rights Reserved.