He is hopeful that his unit will make a big turnaround in the succeeding months. Which of the following actions of Henry demonstrates that he has reached the third stage of change?
A. Wonders why things are not what they used to be.
B. Finds solutions to the problems.
C. Integrate the solutions to his day-to-day activities.
D. Selects the best change strategy.
Correct Answer: C. Integrate the solutions to his day-to-day activities.
Integrate the solutions to his day-to-day activities is expected to happen during the third stage of change when the change agent incorporates the selected solutions into his system and begins to create a change. In the third and final stage, freezing, the new mindset of the change begins to become the standard, and people’s comfort levels return to normal.
Option A: The first stage (unfreezing) involves overcoming inertia and dismantling the existing mindset. It involves getting over the initial defense mechanisms that people exhibit to avoid making a change. People eventually realize that change is necessary and urgent, and this realization allows them to move on to the next stage.
Option B: In the second stage, the actual change occurs. During this stage, an organization’s leaders need to focus on clearly communicating to employees the reasons for change and the steps needed to achieve it.
Option D: The second stage is typically a period of confusion and transition in which people are unsure about the change and what may happen in the future. People are aware that the old ways are being challenged, but they do not yet have a clear picture as to what these ways will be replaced with.