The Change Canvass
The Change Canvas activity is a participatory exercise that enables participants to gain a comprehensive understanding and context of the change they are trying to implement. In this activity, participants engage in individual or group discussions to explore each dimension of change.
It serves as a powerful tool for participants to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of the change they are implementing. By examining various dimensions, participants gain valuable insights that inform their change management approach, allowing them to navigate change more effectively and drive successful outcomes.
Here’s how to implement the Change Canvass –
Begin by sharing the objective of the activity: "The Change Canvas" activity is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and context of the change you are trying to implement. By examining the various dimensions of change – including the force of change, need for change, type of change, unit of change, and impact of change – you will gain valuable insights that will enhance your change management efforts.
You will need markers or pens, sticky notes or index cards, flip chart or whiteboard (optional) for this exercise. Alternatively, you can use this Google Worksheet or pdf file as reference. These outline all the elements of the Change Canvass.
Point participants to this article to understand the elements of the Change Canvass.
Instructions: Begin by introducing the purpose of the activity and the importance of understanding the full context of change. Explain that participants will be working with "The Change Canvas" to explore different dimensions of the change they are implementing.
Provide each participant or group with a change canvas (a table with the dimensions: force of change, need for change, type of change, unit of change, impact of change).
Make sure markers, sticky notes, or index cards are available for participants to write their responses.
Instruct participants to work individually or in small groups and focus on one dimension at a time.
Encourage participants to reflect on the specific change they are implementing and discuss their thoughts within their group.
For each dimension, ask participants to write down key insights, examples, or observations on sticky notes or index cards and place them in the respective cells of the change canvas.
Allow participants to have open discussions and encourage them to share their perspectives and experiences related to each dimension.
Facilitate a group discussion to share insights and observations from the change canvas exercise. Encourage participants to discuss similarities and differences in their responses and explore the implications of these dimensions on their change management strategies. Use a flipchart or whiteboard to capture key points and facilitate the discussion.
Reflection and Action Planning: Ask participants to reflect on the insights gained from "The Change Canvas" activity and consider how it will inform their change management approach. Encourage participants to identify specific actions or adjustments they can make based on their newfound understanding of the change context. Provide a few minutes for individuals or groups to write down their action plans.
Wrap-up and Closing: Summarize the main takeaways from the activity and emphasize the importance of having a holistic understanding of change. Conclude the activity by thanking the participants for their active participation and their commitment to driving successful change.
The Change Canvas activity offers a powerful framework for gaining a comprehensive understanding of change and its various dimensions. By exploring the forces driving change, the need for change, the type of change, the units affected by change, and the potential impact of change, participants gain valuable insights that enhance their change management efforts.
Remember, change is a complex and multifaceted process, and having a holistic understanding of its different dimensions is key to successful implementation. By embracing this knowledge and applying it in your change initiatives, you can navigate change with confidence, foster stakeholder buy-in, and drive positive outcomes.