Switch Part 5 - Direct the rider, motivate the elephant, shape the path

Welcome to the final wrap-up.

Today, we're gonna switch it up and give you a recap of the best-selling book, "Switch" by Chip and Dan Heath. This edition is also jam packed full of dad jokes.

estimated read time: 2 minutes

We've been discussing how to create successful behavioral changes by understanding the three components of change: the rider, the elephant, and the path.

In case you missed it, the rider represents our analytical side, the elephant is our emotional side, and the path represents situational factors. By directing the rider, motivating the elephant, and shaping the path, we can make changes that stick.

Direct the Rider: It's like training a puppy. Give the rider clear direction so they know where to go, and you'll be amazed at how obedient they can be. Just don't forget the treats!

Motivate the Elephant: After all they are the largest land animal currently on Earth. Get them on your side by appealing to their emotions, and they'll carry you to the ends of the Earth. What’s an elephant’s favorite font to use? Answer: Ella font.

Shape the Path: It's all about making the path as easy as possible. Think of it like building a ramp for a skateboarder. If it's smooth and gradual, they'll ride all the way to the end. Just don't forget the safety gear!

Find the Bright Spots: It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you're looking for the bright spots. Find what's already working and do more of it. It's like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Except it is full of a bit of rice, sweet potato greens, shrimp, and crabs.

Script the Critical Moves: It's like writing a screenplay. Do you remember the railroad company? They created four simple rules to improve profitability. This made decision making much easier.

Point to the Destination: It's like giving directions to a lost tourist. Point them in the right direction, and they'll be on their way. Just don't forget the selfie stick!

Find the Feeling: It's like being a detective. We didn't get to share this story. But, in 1992 Target had a market cap of 3B. A few years later and blew up to 64B. It is all because of people like Robyn Waters who realized that people like bright colors. To get the whole story you should check out the book.

Shrink the Change: Remember the carwash punch cards? People were much more likely to get 10 car washes if they had a card that already had 2 punches. How does a car wash stay entertained? By watching soap operas!

Grow Your People: It's like growing a garden. Give your team the tools and resources they need to grow, and they'll bloom like a field of wildflowers. Paul Butler saved the Saint Lucia parrot from extinction.

Tweak the Environment: It's like playing with Legos. Move things around until they fit just right. Remember how people ate less popcorn just by having a smaller bucket.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through Switch. Next, week we are going to cover the Innovators Dilemma by Clayton Christenson.

This is the book that coined the term disruptive innovation.

Don't worry, I promise not to disrupt your weekend with any more homework.

Best,

Camillo