Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing
What is Lewin's Three-Stage Change Management Model (Unfreezing, Moving, and Refreezing)?
The first step in the change process is unfreezing, which involves creating the perception that a change is needed. This can be done through various techniques such as providing information, raising awareness of a problem or issue, and highlighting the benefits of making a change. Once people have become aware that change is necessary, they will move into the second phase of the process: changing. In this phase, they will begin to make adjustments to their behaviors in order to adopt new ways of thinking and acting. Once people have made changes and are comfortable with them, they enter into refreezing where they solidify these new behaviors as the norm for themselves or their organization's culture.
- The first stage of Lewin's Three-Stage Change Management Model is Unfreezing, which involves improving the readiness and willingness of people to change. This includes making people aware of the need for change and improving their motivation for accepting new ways of working. Effective communication plays a vital role in getting desired support and involvement from employees during this stage.
- The second stage is Change, which is also known as Transition or Implementation. During this stage, people are unfrozen and actual changes are implemented. Planning, effective communication, and encouraging individual involvement are all important during this phase in order to successfully implement changes without resistance from those involved. [Refreeze]
- The final stage is Freeze (Refreeze), in which people move from Transition (Change) to a more stable state that can be described as equilibrium or stability; accepting new ways of working as part of their life; establishing new relationships; rewarding positive reinforcements for changed behavior such as policies or structures reinforcing changed ways of working.
What are the steps involved in each stage of the model?
- Step 1: Unfreeze - Analyze the current situation and identify the need for change: Why is it important to analyze the current situation before trying to make changes? It is important to analyze the current situation before trying to make changes because it allows you to understand why change is necessary and what needs to be changed. It also helps you determine what the organization will look like once the change has been successfully made. By understanding these aspects beforehand, you can better prepare yourself and others for making changes that will have a positive impact on everyone involved.
- Step 2: Change - Develop a plan to enact the changes: The second step in the model is Change and this involves transitioning towards a new way of working. In this step, your team is unfrozen and moving towards a new way of doing things. It is important to continually remind your team why the change is happening and how it will benefit them once completed. You also need to foresee and delicately manage situations where some individuals may not benefit from the change. The change curve can be used in these situations.
- Step 3: Refreeze - Monitor and evaluate the changes and adjust as needed
== What are the benefits of using this model to implement change?
- Organizational change can be more effective by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
- This model can help identify the points of resistance that can be addressed to ensure a smoother transition process.
- It will provide structure and clear direction when planning and implementing change.
- Helps to understand the psychological aspects of the change process.
- Clear stages of change provide a timeline and a timeline is important for the success of the change process.
- Assists in creating buy-in from stakeholders and employees for the change process.
- Enhances team motivation by giving teams a clear direction and purpose.
- Allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to change management.
- Enables the organization to respond to external and internal changes more quickly.
- Helps to identify potential risks and plan for contingencies.