One tool for minimizing the downward spike of the Change Curve involves capitalizing on the Hawthorne Effect. Management scientists found that increased attention alone improves performance even if only temporarily. Daily and hourly progress reports, increased MBWA/CBWA (management by wandering around/communication by wandering around), setting initial low goals to reinforce accomplishments, awards and recognition to celebrate milestone goals, achieving goals, ceremonies to kick off change—putting change on center stage with drama and pizzazz provides a countering upward force. The Hawthorne Effect will flatten the downward spike of the Change Curve. A word of warning is appropriate, however: increased attention alone is not enough. Studies indicate that productivity often drops when the increased attention is withdrawn. Taking advantage of the Hawthorne Effect is an important tool, but is only one of the tools for managing change.

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You can find novels by Tom Collins, including his latest mystery, The Claret Muders, on Amazon.com.