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Tools for Dealing with Uncertainty Part 4: Methods of Change…the ABCDE Method

brandon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:41:12 +0000

The method for change is on the principles of what Positive Psychology calls “ABCDE” for Adversity, Beliefs, Consequences, Disputation and Distraction, and Energization. In the next entry we will explore these tools

A = An adverse event or situation occurs

B = Beliefs about that event are noted

C = Consequences of those beliefs are examined

D = Disputation and Distraction are used to move away from unrealistic negative thoughts.

E = Energization is the process of taking positive action.

Briefly, the trick is to learn to identify adverse situations or events that you routinely face. Learn to hear (and record) the beliefs about those events that come to your mind (the “recordings” you play in your head). Feel the consequences of those beliefs (and write them down), in terms of emotions, energy, will to act, etc. Once you have gotten familiar with these components, dispute those beliefs and distract yourself. Disputation can involve challenging the usefulness of the belief, generating alternative specific, external, and temporary explanations, focusing on evidence that contradicts or undermines the negative belief and supports a more positive interpretation, and challenging negative implications on which harmful beliefs rely. In additions to disputation, distraction can be employed to stop the “loop” of these tapes in your head. One suggestion is to wear a rubber band and snap it on your wrist while saying “Stop” in a loud voice. Then write the worrisome beliefs, fears, etc. down to think about at a set future time. This leaves one free to act. Finally, notice what happens to your energy and will to act when you dispute the negative beliefs. Over time, the disputation becomes rapid and effective as the energization from it rewards you for the effort. Eventually, the positive explanatory style becomes your “default” response.

View Tools for Dealing with Uncertainty Part 3: Being Optimistic, here.

Change Management and Sustaining the Change

brandon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:14:04 +0000

I read a great article on Change Management (Read It) this morning. I will be using principles from it most definitely in leadership training programs that I conduct from now on. The point of the article is that the managers of companies are always excited to implement change, but rarely does that change become sustained. It usually leads to a period of excitement, and then a reverting back to old habits. One of the main reasons she said this happens is because of a lack of focus on the “soft” side of change implementation. There is a heavy focus on the “hard” items, which are the things that are done to actually implement change. The “soft” things would be caring for employees, involving them in the process, giving them the tools they need, making sure they are motivated and rewarded, keeping them in the loop, and helping them see the reason for the change. I think the point the author makes of making a bigger deal of day to day performance is excellent. Only pointing out “big-splashes” could really decrease any motivation employees have to implement change. But if they feel like their efforts will be rewarded, and if the management makes them acutely aware of how their actions play a key role in the success of the company (and why it is in their best interest do so ), change will most definitely come.

Check out the article. It is really informative….especially for managers. However, I also feel like ANY employee of ANY company could benefit from reading this because it will help employees realize some of the struggles faced in management, and may help employees to be patient as change is implemented.

TAKE ACTION: Obama to Increase Appropriations for Public Land??

admin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:33:26 +0000

Because the past 8 years has left public land managers and forest managers with meager funds to maintain trail management teams, search and rescue teams, and more, there has been limited access to some of the country’s most beautiful and precious outdoor recreation resources, for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and camping.

Understandably so, since without the infrastructure to support this type of land use, the land managers have no choice but to restrict the activities. This is something that the Access Fund specifically targets and works on with these land managers, however the Federal Government has made it extremely difficult because ultimately they are the ones providing the lack of funding.

BUT NOW THE GOOD NEWS….

Barack Obama, along with promoting an excellent energy plan, and making the oil companies use their windfall profits to help consumers, is also planning on increasing appropriations for public land….and therefore will most likely help to give access to many, many areas.

Their administration needs our support to get this done. Please visit Outdoor Alliance and choose to Take Action, and send letters (via the website) to Barack Obama, to help open up access to these public lands.

Along with a better energy management and energy use system, the funds that are going to be provided to these land managers will help conservation of our natural resources, including “roadless areas” that will be protected. This country is taking a turn in the right direction!

Thank you and Happy Climbing

Brandon Hensinger