Phase 1 - Disturbance in Environment

Change begins with a disturbance (trigger) occurring either internal to the organization, or external within the contextual environment in which the organization exists. 

Internal disturbances could include the development of an innovative idea, service or product, the death of a key executive, introduction of new executives with their own change agenda, employee unrest or dissatisfaction, etc. 

External disturbances include regulatory rulings, loss of key supplies and resources, significant gain or loss of market-share, competitor's new product, recession, war, change in interest rates, and a host of others. 

Initially, the relevance of the disturbance to the organization, department, group, etc. may not be recognized. This lack of awareness is often a function of the intensity of the disturbance, and the pain tolerance (ability to ignore it), of the organization and/or key individuals. 

 

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