Influence & Persuasion · 09 of 10
Switch: Rider, Elephant, Path
Source: Chip Heath and Dan Heath; book Switch (2010), drawing on Jonathan Haidt's elephant-and-rider metaphor
A change framework that addresses the rational mind (rider), the emotional mind (elephant) and the environment (path).
When to use it
Use it when people agree a change makes sense but still do not change their behaviour.
How to apply it
- Direct the rider by scripting the specific critical behaviours you want.
- Point to the destination with a clear picture of the goal.
- Motivate the elephant by finding the feeling that drives action.
- Shrink the change into small first steps that feel achievable.
- Shape the path by adjusting the environment and building habits.
Tip: What looks like resistance is often lack of clarity, so be specific about the first behaviour.