The book 'Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard' by Chip Heath and Dan Heath offers a practical framework for instigating change from all levels of an organization, making it particularly useful for new librarians. The authors use the metaphor of an elephant and its rider to illustrate the balance between rational and emotional aspects of change, supported by case studies and examples from various fields.
The book 'Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard' by Chip Heath and Dan Heath provides a valuable framework for implementing change within an organization, which is especially beneficial for new librarians. The authors present a metaphor of an elephant and its rider to represent the emotional and rational sides of change, emphasizing the importance of balancing both aspects. The book is filled with case studies and examples from different fields, illustrating how to identify and address the root causes of problems. Additionally, the book offers practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles to change, making it a useful resource for anyone looking to drive change in their organization. The conversational style and lack of dense jargon make it accessible and engaging, while the substantial scholarly references add depth and credibility.
Quick quotes
The rider represents the rational side, which can be directed to investigate the problem, find positive aspects to grow on, and specify what should happen next.
The elephant, the domineering emotional side, gets motivated by experiencing personal growth and breaking down the change.
Switch is more conversational than its popular psychology counterparts and more laidback than a traditional driving business practices book.