If work conditions are environmentally right for change, they will adjust. If change occurs in an aversive manner, chameleon employees will cling to the old skin and resist the change. The third way of adapting to change is represented in the turtle. It withdraws its head, legs and tail into its shell and won t budge until it s ready. Every change effort can benefit from the styles of road runners, chameleons and turtles.
Road runners have tremendous energy and can motivate others.
However, it is important to help the road runner stay on track during the change period. The chameleon style of employee change will make or break the change effort. High levels of interactive communication will help chameleons understand the need, benefit and meaning of the change so that the right environment can be created. Turtles also have their value in helping organizations change. Turtles can help us slow down and analyze the implications of change.