In discussing change with some colleagues recently I recalled a conversation with a client who combined the stories of “Who’s Got the Monkey” (1) and the story from the “Kingdom Agenda” (2) about the Chicken and the Pig, by Tony Evans.
As a refresher, the Monkey discussion was from William Oncken (Harvard Business Review) where he discussed managing upwards, sideways and downwards in the organization.
Figuratively, a subordinate walks up to their manager and says something like. “Hi Mary, I have a problem that I want you to resolve for me.” Immediately that problem, (The Monkey) jumps straight on to Mary’s back. Now she has to care and feed that Monkey.
With the Chicken and Pig story, when we are looking for change, we need commitment from the team.
In an American breakfast of eggs and bacon, which animal is fully committed? Which is simply making a contribution? You got it! The pig is absolutely committed whereas the chicken simply contributes an egg.
Change is difficult but without delegating work to the appropriate level, or keeping the Monkey in its correct location with the team being fully committed, change will not happen.
Try this exercise for you and your team:
- Write down the team members you need to be ready to change.
- Write down next to their name whether they tend to off load monkeys far too often, pass problems.
- Write down if they are truly committed or simply contributing.
The chart may look something like this:
Anne and Steve are committed and can get on with the task. Mary may believe she is better utilizing her time by passing on problems but at least she is committed. So she needs refresher training on only delegating upwards those things she actually cannot do. Jim and Fred may be serious threats to the change process. I don’t mean to suggest they cannot be turned around but care and attention will be needed.
Change management can be and usually is a major stumbling block and recognizing the traits of those around you is simply a first step in having all be capable, ready and excited.
Thank you William and Tony for these far reaching messages.
(1) “Who’s Got the Monkey” by William Oncken Jr. (2) “The Kingdom Agenda” by Tony Evans
© 2017 By Steve Wardleworth (Wardleworth Consulting LLC) All rights reserved
