Question

Do you think that some of the leaders that we work with may take the ready, fire, aim approach when they should be looking more carefully at the systems and what could be creating problems? Do you think the five steps of ADKAR provide a more specific approach to solving problems (than Covey's approach)?

Answer 1

Today's professional environment is a fast changing environment. Everyone wants to climb the ladder at pace, and in doing so they might forget the basic steps towards success. Long gone are the days for "Ready, fire and aim" approach. The leaders who are still adopting these methods, should be prepared for the hazardous long term effects.

If careful investigations and necessary corrective actions are not taken at the time of emergence of a problem, then the future problems could be many folds of the current ones.

When compared to Covey's approach, ADKAR is certainly a specific approach in problem solving, change management and maintaining the workforce intact.

It is the simplest approach for leaders interested in keeping the employees informed and looped in action with the transitions happening in the company which could affect them. This approach is more of a people oriented approach.

ADKAR works at the micro level, if leaders wanted to make huge alterations and did not have clear answers for each of ADKAR's 5 steps, then this model can fail and maybe Covey's approach could be useful. So, it largely depends on the type and level of problem as to which approach can be more useful.