Lesson 8 — Gleicher: Is There Enough Change Energy to Overcome Resistance?
Formula
C = (D × V × F) > R
This is conceptual, not a quantitative scoring formula.
| Element | Meaning | Diagnostic question |
|---|---|---|
| D — Dissatisfaction | status quo is sufficiently unsatisfactory | Why is staying here unacceptable? |
| V — Vision | a better alternative is clear and compelling | What better future are we moving toward? |
| F — First steps | credible, achievable initial actions exist | What can people do next? |
| R — Resistance | forces keep people attached to current behavior | What losses, risks, doubts or structures push back? |
| C — Change | movement becomes possible when D×V×F beats R | Is there enough reason, direction and action to beat the drag? |
Why multiplication matters as a memory cue
If one positive factor is effectively absent, movement can collapse: - weak D: “Current practice is good enough.” - weak V: “We know current data is bad, but no one can describe a better future.” - weak F: “We support the vision, but what do we actually do Monday morning?” - high R: “We understand the reason and path, but influential managers still block staff/data.”
Resistance can increase when change energy is handled badly
The source warns that publicly shaming teams to increase dissatisfaction may increase R instead. Likewise, a vision can intimidate people if it feels impossible, and first steps must be realistic and explicitly connected to the vision.
First-step quality
A good F can be a small, achievable pilot that visibly connects the first action to the future state. A symbolic activity unrelated to the vision does not meaningfully strengthen F.
Retrieval check
Q: People agree the current process is painful and like the future state, but no one knows what to do next. Weakest factor?
A: F — First steps.
Source: p. 565.