It’s interesting to note that behavioral change in a downward spiral can happen very quickly. Problems at work, bad management practices, lack of communication, family issues, general stress, all can take a quick toll on one’s behaviors and performance results.
On the flip side, positive change (behavioral modification) is a slow and sometimes daunting process. What do they say, “It takes 21 days to learn a new habit”? And reality is for that new habit to really stick, it often takes months if not years to fully move into a new, desired way of behaving.
Why is the downward spiral so much quicker and quite honestly easier?
When coaching or working with employees it is important to remember that change takes time..... it is a process. People who have suffered through bad management, uncertainty at work, pressures at home, need time to develop or re-develop their behavioral equilibrium.
If you are using behavioral assessments as part of your training & development/coaching program help employees set short, mid, and long range goals for their desired behavioral outcomes. Work with them to identify specific actions that will help them develop the desired behavior(s) into a positive pattern.
Identify where behavioral change needs to happen Articulate and record an outline of desired outcomes Communicate action steps for achieving Set accountability measures towards success