Virginia Satir Change Model

Putting an organization into a change process and ultimately completing the process with a clear conscience, requires a lot of thought and planning. An organizational change can cause changing responses in every person. The reason for these reactions is the emergence of varied emotions in some way. We can take this model into consideration in comprehending changes. We can also control and direct these changes.



According to this model, we go through a number of different stages in the process of change, and the paths arising from these stages. This model makes it clear how these experiences cause a change in the quality of the work. Using this model, we can have a guess about how our responses will be in the future.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Satir Change Model

The use of the Satir Change Model offers numerous advantages. By understanding how we respond to change, organizations can reap many benefits. For example, we can be prepared by anticipating reactions, dealing with resistance, and focusing on the underlying causes to overcome obstacles.

It is also important to know that the chaos in the process of change also presents an opportunity. Although disturbing, chaos provides opportunities to try new things and encourages creativity. Embracing this phase and exploring new possibilities helps organizations navigate successful change.

Let's Dive Into the Satir Change Model: A Fun Introduction

Ever stumbled upon a gem that just clicks with everything you're doing? That's the Satir Change Model for me, especially when I'm in the trenches with organizations, teams, and spirited individuals rolling out Scrum. This gem is inspired by Virginia Satir, a legendary family therapist. She laid the groundwork, and then brilliant minds like Stephen M. Smith and Jerry Weinberg took it to another level, making it a game-changer in the workplace. What's fascinating is how family dynamics, observed by Satir, mirror so much of what we see in other human gatherings. It's not a perfect match, of course—your office isn't exactly your family dinner table. But, boy, do a lot of those observations hold up in the work setting, making this model an absolute treasure trove.

The Framework: Performance Meets Time

Imagine we're drawing the Satir Change Model right here. Picture this: performance on one axis—think quality of work, how quickly we get stuff out the door, or how happy everyone is at work. That's our what we're rocking at meter. Then, there's time on the other axis, mapping out our journey through the days, weeks, and months. This setup? It's our storytelling canvas.

Embarking Through Chaos

Remember the good old days of status quo? When everything felt like smooth sailing—familiar, comfortable, predictable. Then, boom, change happens. Maybe it's a shift to Scrum, and instead of an instant party, it feels like someone shook the jar—hard. Welcome to chaos. It's not just a dip in performance; it's the whole who am I, and why is everything different? phase. New relationships, new rules, and a whole lot of what now?

The Magic of Transformation and Alignment

But here's where it gets interesting. Chaos isn't just a storm to weather; it's a treasure chest of possibilities. If we lean in, we find new, innovative ways of being that can reshape our world. This is the heart of transformation. Virginia Satir called it the transforming idea, and it's like a lightbulb moment that helps us see how the change, like adopting Scrum, aligns with our goals. We start piecing the puzzle together, finding our rhythm, and seeing how we can thrive together.

Practice Makes Perfect

As the dust settles, we're not immediately at the finish line. There's this sweet spot of practice and integration where we're fine-tuning, learning, and growing stronger in our new reality. Our performance starts to climb, reflecting our hard-earned mastery, and eventually, we settle into a new groove—our new status quo, where the new way of doing things becomes second nature.

The Power of Expectation Management

This model has been a beacon in my coaching, helping set the stage for what's to come. It tempers the instant success expectations and prepares us for the real journey ahead. It's a powerful reminder that embracing change is a process, one that can lead to incredible growth and improvement if we navigate it with awareness and patience.


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