The House of Change – When Change Needs a Home

Changes are a part of life; through them, we learn and grow in our personalities. Sometimes we know they’re coming—like the next dentist appointment (which we naturally put off until the last minute) or a dreaded move. But what do you do when change doesn’t just knock on the door, but shows up with suitcases and says, “Well, here I am – now what?”

This is where the House of Change comes into play. It’s a simple and visual method to help guide changes in companies or teams. And honestly, it’s pretty handy in personal life too, whether you’re thinking about switching jobs or finally hitting the gym again (yes, I’m talking to you!).

What is the House of Change?

Imagine a house with four rooms. In each room, a different part of the change process takes place. The idea is that we – whether as individuals or as a team – have to go through each of these rooms to truly handle a change. You can’t just waltz straight from the front door to the terrace (even if that would be nice sometimes!).

Here’s a little tour of the rooms:

1. Room of Contentment Everything feels cozy here. You’re satisfied, things are running the way they always have. Why change anything? Here, people live by the motto: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” (Fun fact: This belief is often seriously tested.)

   Questions to ask yourself here:

   • Why am I satisfied with the status quo?

   • Are there any signs that something should or could change?

   • Do I even want this change, or am I happy to just keep things as they are?

   
   

2. Room of Denial Change? Nah. This is where resistance kicks in: "But we’ve always done it this way!" or "It works, so why fix it now?" We’re creatures of habit, and change often feels like a cold shower.

   Questions to ask here:

   • What exactly bothers me about this change?

   • What do I stand to lose if I go along with it?

   • Are there valid reasons to reject the change, or am I just being stubborn?

   
   

3. Room of Confusion Now comes the real thinking. You start realizing: Okay, there’s no way around this. But how is this supposed to work? It’s like trying to put together IKEA furniture without the instructions. You’re unsure, looking for direction, making mistakes – but you’re learning.

   Questions to ask here:

   • What are the specific challenges of this change?

   • What kind of support do I need to navigate better?

   • What small steps can I take to get started?

     
     

4. Room of Renewal Ah, finally! This is where things start clicking – and the change isn’t so bad after all. You’ve adjusted, learned something new, and you realize: “Hey, this actually works!” Maybe the new way is even better than the old. The enthusiasm comes back – like when you realize after a run: “That actually felt pretty good!”

   Questions to ask here:

   • What are the benefits of this change now?

   • What have I learned from the whole process?

   • How can I apply these positive experiences to future changes?

A Simple Example from Work Life

Let’s say your company is introducing a new IT system (a true classic). At first, all the colleagues are sitting in the Room of Contentment thinking, “Our old system is just fine!” But then the boss comes in with the words: “Starting Monday, we’re using the new system!” – and suddenly, you’re in the Room of Denial. The first reactions: “This will never work!”, “Way too complicated!”, or “I don’t understand it!”

After a few days, however, you start experimenting with the new system (usually reluctantly) and end up in the Room of Confusion. Questions like, “Where was that button for X?” or “How am I supposed to learn all this?” are part of daily life. It feels chaotic. But little by little, with a bit of patience and maybe some chocolate, it starts to make sense.

Finally, after a few weeks, you find yourself in the Room of Renewal. The new system works, processes are faster, and you think to yourself: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” Change can surprise you in a good way!

Conclusion: Change – It’s Really Not That Bad

The House of Change shows us that change is always a process – with ups and downs. It’s okay to get stuck in one room for a while or not be excited right away. The important thing is to keep moving. Because at the end, something good often awaits behind the next door.

So, whether you’re dealing with personal or professional changes, remember: Every room in the House of Change has its purpose. And who knows – you might even like the new couch in the Room of Renewal better than the old one!

Are you seeking for change, but you are unsure of how to achieve it - feel free to get in touch for a first consultation.