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. Occasionally, turtles can be right and the rest of us have missed it. Sometimes, employees who are resistant to change lack trust in others or confidence in themselves and just need a little more support and time to overcome their resistance. All work efforts need a good blend of various employee change styles. By understanding and valuing the strengths of each style, we will be successful in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the future university.