Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Making Change Easier

Wouldn’t it be great if it was easier to change our behavior? Don’t you wish you could help those around you at work find it easier to make a change? According to Dr.Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute and a professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, reasons for the change need to be positive in order for people to be successful in altering their behavior. All too often, we attempt to motivate change using fear tactics, emphasizing the dire outcomes that are likely if we don’t change. Dr. Ornish says this just does not work. He recommends trying the reverse: paint a picture of the positive results of making the change. Whether it’s getting the advanced degree, striving to get along with the difficult co-worker or agreeing to take on a new responsibility, focus on the beneficial outcome. Make the WIIFM something desirable! For more ideas on motivating employees, check this out.