The Science of Change
Richard E. Boyatzis
Abstract
Abstract Change is ephemeral if it occurs at all. The Science of Change is about the quest for sustained, desired change. It uses 58 years of research from many fields on the multilevel fractal Intentional Change Theory (ICT). The ICT process has five phases with tipping points of the Positive or Negative Emotional Attractors (PEA and NEA) that move or stop the process. They are Ideal Self (shared vision), Real Self (norms), learning agenda, experimentation/practice, and resonant relationships. PEA and NEA are combinations of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems, Default Mode and Task Positive Neural Networks, and positive and negative affect. Each of these components are antagonistic to the other. As a fractal theory, ICT proposes within its 10 principles that resonant leadership and social identity groups move information and emotions across levels. Each phase and principle is examined with research and cases of sustained, desired change for individuals, dyads, teams, organizations, community, and country. Based on longitudinal behavior change, fMRI, and hormonal studies, a few highlights are that the Ideal Self and shared vision are the drivers of change, not discrepancies with the Real Self or current norms. Goal setting and problem solving suppress openness to new ideas and people in the early phases of any change process. Resonant relationships are characterized by a degree of shared vision (hope), shared compassion (caring and gratitude), and shared energy (activation).