Few subjects generate more discussion or attract more attention than change. Myths, muddles and misconceptions abound. Failure to change stories appear to dominate – successes seem harder to achieve.

Much of what happens with change is difficult to predict or control. However well designed, the law of unintended consequences, chaos theory and complexity often triumph over the bestlaid plans of mice and men. Therefore, the aim of this QGuide is modest – to offer hope we can be a little more rigorous in our understanding of change; a little more precise in defining and describing it; and a little more effective in how we manage through it.

A final thought. If you could not use the word ‘change’ to describe what is happening (or what you want to make happen) what word(s) would you use instead? Change has become over-used, losing its shape and meaning. Finding better ways to talk about it will give you a fresher, cleaner perspective.