Practical Advice for Making “Real Change” and “Change Real”

October 5, 2009 6720 Comments2009-10-05+09%3A25%3A39Ben+Nash

Studies show that only 15% of patients change their life style when they are told by their doctor that if they don’t they will die. It seems that, even in life or death situations, the desire to change is not enough to effect real change. So what is it that holds us back from making changes a reality?

In their book Immunity to Change, Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey explain how our individual habits and mindsets—together with the collective norms and beliefs in our organizations—combine to create what they call an “immunity to change”. The authors show us what we can do to overcome these forces. Their conclusion is that what is required is a radical recasting of what most of us believe about making change a reality.

People disappointed with their current change efforts and who want guidance in knowing what to do to “turn things around” will find Immunity to Change a practical “how to” advice book that provides a road map of what you need to do to make deep change a reality—both personally and organizationally.