1. Fearless Change: Patterns for Introducing New Ideas
Dr. Mary Lynn Manns
University of North Carolina at Asheville

2. The Project Began around 1998, Manns & Rising
Strategies documented in the form of patterns
A pattern is a recurring, successful technique
Each pattern has a name
Acquired from people worldwide
Emphasis is on bottom-up change led by “powerless leaders”
Change theories based on E.M. Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations
The book: Fearless Change: Patterns for Introducing New Ideas (Addison Wesley Publishing Co.)

3. Different people accept new ideas at different rates
Do you know these people?
This is new so it is cool. (Innovator)
This is an interesting idea, but I want to hear more before making a decision. (Early Adopter)
I want to see what other people think about the new idea before I make a decision. (Early Majority)
I’ll accept the new idea when I have to. (Late Majority)
It’s always been done this way … why do we have to introduce anything new? (Laggard)

4. Categories of the Patterns
Roles
Getting things going
Events
Influence strategies
Handling resistance
Keeping things going
etc. etc. etc.

5. Keep a Package of Patterns With You
Take on a role
Evangelist
Have a long-term goal but not a detailed short-term plan
Test the Waters
Step by Step
Time for Reflection
Small Successes

6. Getting Started Gain visibility Brown Bag External Validation
The Right Time
Token
Do Food
Next Steps
Plant the Seeds
Piggyback

7. Getting Started (continued)
Get others interested
Personal Touch
Innovators
Guru on Your Side
Connectors
Ask for Help
Just Say Thanks

8. Get Connected Keep the idea visible Stay in Touch In Your Space
e-Forum
Group Identity
Shoulder to Cry On
Tailor Made

9. Take More Action Take some time to learn Just Do It Study Group Mentor
Big Jolt
Royal Audience
Location, Location, Location
Just Enough

10. Gain More Interest Ask for Help from influential people Early Adopter
Local Sponsor
Corporate Angel
Guru Review

11. Get a New Role!
Make the task part of your job
Dedicated Champion

12. Now That You Have More Time…
Convince the masses
Early Majority
Trial Run
Hometown Story
Smell of Success
Involve Everyone
Sustained Momentum

13. Resistance is All Around
Respect the resistance
Fear Less
Champion Skeptic
Corridor Politics
Bridge-Builder
Whisper in the General’s Ear

14. Summary Patterns are a way to capture recurring, successful strategies
The Fearless Change book contains patterns from successful leaders of change
The book is written for all “powerless leaders” who have a good idea and want to introduce bottom-up changes into their organizations

15. Go out and lead great changes in the world
Go out and lead great changes in the world! For more information: