Discussion Questions

Discussion questions for Chapter 1:

• How would you describe the Rider/Elephant/Path metaphor from Switch to a co-worker to help them understand when change in organizations is hard and when change is easy?

I understand that the co-worker is not to be presented with the Switch book, and hence I cannot directly quote from the book (although examples mentioned in the book are quite lucid).

So I would first ask the co-worker to consider that change is a function of three elements: rationality to identify a goal, letting go of inertia of an existing habit or move out of comfort zone to passionately align with the goal, and path or the steps to achieve the goal.

Change is hard when the goal and the steps needed to achieve that goal call for a drastic change and to let go of inertia of the present. The inertia can be overcome by effectively demonstrating the impact of continuing with the status quo.

Change is easy when the passion aligns with rationality and the path to achieve the goal.

Thus it is critical that for change to happen, there is alignment of the rational side with the emotional side of an individual. Emotional side cannot be aligned through reasons but through experience or realization of the huge impact the existing setup is causing to them and their loved ones. The impact can be direct or indirect (for instance, through the need to comply with social pressure in order to look good and belong to a community)

The inventor of Clocky managed to create a business by helping people solve their self-control problems. Can you create a new product or service that would help people overcome or avoid the conflict between Rider and Elephant? Be detailed when describing your idea.