How to Use Each Persona in Service of Change
Navigating change within an organization not only requires understanding the eight personas, but how to use each persona’s attributes effectively in service of change:
1.
Realize the Visionary can be found in any role.
From staff accountant to CFO. Listen for new ideas from every corner of the business.
2.
Find the organization’s Bellwether.
This persona can be in any role as well, and as the tastemaker and trend spotter, it is crucial to getting initial change off the ground.
3.
Give Architects the skills and knowledge they need.
Hire smart people and invest in their training. Nurture their curiosity and interest in innovation so they’re ready to make change happen on the ground.
4.
Build teams out of Model Accountants.
These are the employees who can do any job. They’re well-versed in Accounting, steady, and open to change, so stack the organization with teams of them to drive strong and early adoption of innovation.
5.
Create the right role for the Gurus.
While initially averse to change, the Gurus’ love for knowledge will help them first investigate, and then embrace change. Give Gurus roles where they can engage in continuous learning and provide knowledge-based feedback.
6.
Trust the Perfectionists.
Rely on them to slow down questionable or underdeveloped initiatives. See the Perfectionist not as a naysayer, but as someone who can be trusted to point out red flags, risks, and challenges.
7.
Help the Bureaucrats and Purists embrace change through leadership roles.
These Challengers are by nature ambitious; put them in a role where their job is to respond to and navigate change. For Challengers, the need for change becomes more obvious—and less threatening—from a leadership perspective.
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