Transformation Tolerance
Definition: Transformation is a significant change in form, appearance, or structure.
When it comes to most any kind of growth, development, or movement for individuals, teams, and organizations it only happened through change. Transformation is a significant change from one state to a different state, going from point A to point B. There is a popular cartoon that depicts a man asking a crowd, “Who wants change?” and the entire crowd raises their hands. Then the man asks, “Who wants to change” and all the hands go down. It’s classic. We all want the benefits of a change, especially the move from something not great to something better. We love the positive results of change but the act of changing ourselves is less popular. It can be quite uncomfortable. So, what is the deal with this paradox?
When we start off in a current state, even if not perfect, at some point it has become familiar to us, and we have likely adapted and figured out how to manage it and make it work. There is comfort in what we know. It’s predictable, clear, and provides cognitive and emotional certainty.
Then on the other side of the room, transformation and the future it represents stands there looking like it’s going to come for us. Why do we meet this new visitor on the scene with such distinct anxiety and concern? Don’t we want better things in the future? From a current state position change looks like a threat because it is. It is looking to change something in the now to pull us forward to what’s next. That means the introduction of something different if not opposite of what we are holding onto now. Transformation is going to mean walking away from what we know, what is familiar and predictable, and it ushers in less clarity and certainty. Transformation means wading through some ambiguity and some level of confusion until we sort things out.
The truth is that these two states, current and future, are cousins. They are related and live in a necessary tension with one another. They are both required for the journey and the act of transformation. Changing mindsets, behaviors, familiar processes and modifying any pattern brings uncertainty. What I have found is that individuals, teams, and organizations can have varying level of what I call “Transformation Tolerance”. The higher the transformation tolerance for living in this tension the more effective and deeply change and transformation occur. The lower the transformation tolerance, the slower and less impactful that change is facilitated.
The friction from change has two facets. First, resistance or reluctance to change is rooted in strongly held beliefs and deep emotional responses. This kind of friction is about self-preservation, or current state preservation, and these are often synonymous. Second, movement to a new state by transformation is partly facilitated by the traction created using the friction created in resistance. This may seem confusing, but transformation is not only about arriving at a new state, it is about the journey between point A and point B. This is the step-by-step growth zone between them.
Transformation can be a lot of effort as well as scary, exciting, and future anchoring all at once. Yes, it can be quite complicated at times and often challenges arise out of not fully appreciating the time, attention, and care transformation will require. More than a project plan, due dates, workflows, and RACI charts, transformation is a very human centric experience impacting changes in how people work, move in the world, and how they define who they are in terms of their personal and professional identities.
When preparing for change and impactful transformation take time to appreciate the breadth and depth of what it may require making that transformation happen successfully. Take account of the present but purposeful tension that sits in the middle and be aware of the transformation tolerance in play. The tolerance level is like a knob that sets the appetite and functional skills for navigating the journey. Most any transformations will require some degree of caretaking and orchestration to be successful and mastering use of transformation tolerance will increase your ability and success as a transformation practitioner.