Workplace Transformations: A Framework for Embracing Change in the Professional Sphere
The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Individual Change is a comprehensive framework that outlines the steps an individual takes when modifying their behavior. Developed to address deviant or troubled behaviors, it has since been applied to positive changes as well.
The TTM identifies five stages of change: Pre-Contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance.
- Pre-Contemplation – In this stage, individuals resist change and have no intention of acting soon, often being unaware of the need for change.
- Contemplation – In this stage, individuals consider the need for change and intend to take action within the foreseeable future, seeking information about making a change.
- Preparation – Individuals in this stage have a definite time frame for taking action and have taken concrete steps towards change.
- Action – This is the stage where individuals are actively modifying their behavior. They are changing their behavior and optimizing their surroundings that affect their behavior, with changes becoming visible.
- Maintenance – In the Maintenance stage, individuals focus on continuing their progress for a substantial period, which in this model means at least six months and up to a full lifetime. Here, individuals work to prevent relapses but typically do not need to apply the change processes as frequently as they did in earlier stages.
Although the original model had a sixth stage (Termination), later publications removed it, as it is quite rare to never experience temptations or backsliding.
In workplace settings for employee development, TTM can be applied by recognizing where employees are in their readiness to change behaviors or adopt new skills and tailoring interventions accordingly:
- For employees in the precontemplation stage, raise awareness about the benefits of change through educational efforts.
- In the contemplation stage, encourage reflection and provide information to resolve ambivalence.
- During the preparation stage, support goal-setting and planning.
- Facilitate action by providing training, resources, and coaching.
- Support maintenance with ongoing feedback, reinforcement, and opportunities for skill practice.
This stage-matched approach improves engagement and effectiveness of development programs by meeting employees where they are in their change process, rather than using a one-size-fits-all strategy.
It is important to commit to the Maintenance stage if one is to enjoy successful long-term change and build foundations for even more change and growth. If individuals are stuck in a stage, be patient and consider studying readiness for change literature to help them strategically move forward.
Change is an important part of life, promoting personal development, resilience, well-being, success, and fulfillment. Embracing change allows for improving and expanding individual effectiveness, performance, and learning. Make change a positive concept in one's life and the lives of others, as effective and consistent change can be successfully enacted through the TTM stages.
[1] Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Transtheoretical analysis of change in smoking: Stages of change model. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(4), 390-399. [2] Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1994). In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors. American Psychologist, 49(9), 1102-1112. [4] Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C. (2002). Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheoretical analysis. American Psychologist, 57(2), 129-138. [5] Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (2005). The Transtheoretical Model: An overview. In R. C. West, A. M. Kraus, & M. J. Huffman (Eds.), Handbook of substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery (pp. 66-81). Academic Press.
- Susan Madsen, being a proponent of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, might encourage employees to consider the benefits of changing their career-development strategies in the contemplation stage, providing them with information to resolve ambiguity about the need for change.
- Susan Madsen, with a focus on long-term success and personal growth, emphasizes the importance of committing to the Maintenance stage when enacting change, as it helps individuals build foundations for further change and growth in their lives.
