Before changing a routine, make the idea clear enough to discuss. This exercise is an adapted sample of the Change brief tool. It is not a literal extract from the ebook or the complete workbook.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT HUBLead the Change
Change brief: one page to get started
Choose a low-risk, everyday change. Use a sheet of paper or a private document. Answer the questions below briefly and talk to the people involved before moving ahead.
01
Observable problem
What happens today? Describe a specific behaviour or difficulty without blaming people.
02
Intended outcome
What would you like to see happen differently? Avoid vague goals such as “improve everything”.
03
Scope and boundaries
Where will you run the test, with whom and for how long? What is explicitly out of scope?
04
People and participation
Who does the work, who is affected and who can authorise the test? What do you need to ask them?
05
Tracking signal
What simple signal can you observe before and during the test? Who will record it and how often?
06
Decision and safety
Who will review the test, and on what date? When should you adjust, stop or return to the previous routine?
Before you put it into practice
Can you explain the test in one sentence? Do the people involved know what changes and what does not? Is there authorisation, a boundary and a safe way to stop? If any answer is no, clarify first.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE, NOT A REAL RESULT
A clearer task handover.
Problem
During internal handovers, the task status and next action are not always recorded.
Outcome
The person receiving a task can identify its status, next action and owner.
Scope
One team, five working days, non-urgent internal tasks only. No changes to contracts, access permissions or safety procedures.
Participation
The manager confirms authorisation. The people handing over and receiving tasks review the proposed note before the start.
Signal
Before the test, log the clarification questions needed over one day. Repeat during the pilot, without personal data or individual performance assessment.
Decision
Review on day five. Adjust if the note creates confusion. Stop and return to the previous routine if a critical task is affected. Expand only after a new decision.
This sample adapts the first of eight tools in the workbook. The full guide connects this starting point to the five tips and the 30-day plan.