As you prepare for a transformation, consider that your first choice is to select your foundational approach to the transformation itself: “adopt” or “adapt“. This choice is often skipped, but it warrants attention and consideration because regardless of the actual transformation objective itself, the two approaches have inherently different dynamics for execution and sustainability. The approaches also differ in how they handle the current context and how the objectives are fulfilled.
General Observations:
- One approach (adopt) is an absolute or abrupt change for execution with sustainability becoming a maintenance process; context is not relevant because the focus is solely on the overall objective of the transformation.
- The other approach (adapt) capitalizes on context by incorporating what is already working well within your current execution model with sustainability as a naturally emergent dynamic; context is inherently relevant for determining the transformation steps and in reaching the overall objective of the transformation.
As an analogy…
- “Adopt” (Implementation) can be likened to taking a “string”, wrapping it around something, and tying the string with a knot; it provides alignment and establishes a set of stable boundaries and it takes work to untie in the future.
- “Adapt” (transition) can be likened to stretching a “rubber band” around a group of things; it incorporates context and adapts progressively to accommodate a flexible balance of consistency and responsive boundaries over time.
Execution Implications:
- If you choose to “adopt”, you’ll follow an execution process of “implementation” via what is modeled by “single loop learning” (Argyris, 2002). Note: “single loop learning” is exhibited in the following series of activities: select a standard to use in a particular area, take a test, grade the test to the selected standard; the next step is to adjust behavior to align with the standard without questioning if the selected standard applies.
- If you choose to “adapt”, you’ll follow a “transition” process for execution via what is modeled by “double loop learning” (Argyris, 2002). Note: “double loop learning” is exhibited in the following series of activities: select a standard, take a test, grade the test to the selected standard; the next step is to re-evaluate the selection of the specific standard, adjust or adapt the standard as applicable, and then repeat the process.
Sustainability Implications:
- If you select to “adopt” (implementation), then sustainability requires ongoing maintenance and attention. This is because “adopt” (implementation) creates “consumers” who are trained to follow the predefined standard, rather than learning and contributing to the “why” behind the standard selected. Since people simply “follow” or “consume” the system when using the “adopt” approach, ongoing enforcement or reinforcement is required to sustain the execution to that standard.
- If you choose to “adapt” (transition), then sustainability benefits from a regenerative flow. This is because “adapt” (transition) creates “ownership” through the double-loop learning process. The process leads to an adoption of the standard at a deeper level; i.e., the level of the corresponding set of principles and practices rather than merely accepting the standard itself. This occurs because the emerging standard is selected and adjusted by the actual participants in the transformation. Through this double-loop learning process applied to transformations, an ownership mindset emerges and produces distributed reinforcement for sustainability because each person can contribute not only to the execution but also to the system that is adopted.
Reference:
Argyris, C. (2002). Double-Loop Learning, Teaching, and Research. Academy of Management Learning & Education. Volume 1. Number 2. pp 206-218.