Inertial Behaviors
How to deal with behavioral rigidity and inflexibility
Behavioral rigidity and inflexibility can be challenging behaviors to deal with, especially in work environments where adaptation to change and innovation are necessary. Professionals who act rigidly may appear experienced, but often become frightened by new ways of doing things. They prefer to act according to known formulas, which can harm innovation and productivity.
To deal with behavioral rigidity and inflexibility in professionals, leaders and teachers need to provide experiences with new ways of doing things, exams of alternatives and hypotheses. For example, the instructional designer can help professionals face situations that require thought by planning tasks that stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Some strategies that can be used include:
Planning challenging tasks
When the instructional designer assigns a task, they can ask professionals to plan three to four different ways to complete it. This encourages the search for alternative and creative solutions, stimulating critical thinking and behavioral flexibility. The professional may discover that there is a better or more efficient way to complete the task, which can help them become more open to new ideas and approaches.
Stimulating problem-solving
The instructional designer can present examples and ask professionals to solve them with two or three different approaches. This activity helps stimulate problem-solving, as the professional needs to think of different ways to solve the same issue. This practice can help develop the skill of considering multiple solutions and choosing the most suitable one for each situation.
Making comparisons
Another strategy that can be used by the instructional designer is to ask professionals to make various comparisons, such as between different graphs, various ways of explaining the same procedure, schemes, classifications, product descriptions, and problem-solving approaches. This activity helps develop the ability to analyze different points of view and choose the best option, increasing behavioral flexibility.
Stimulating hypothesis creation
When opportunities arise to create hypotheses, these professionals need to consider a number of possible solutions. The instructional designer can present problems for professionals to solve and ask them to create hypotheses about what may have caused the problem and how it can be solved. This activity helps develop the ability to think creatively and consider different perspectives.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that behavioral changes can take time and effort, and not all professionals may be willing or able to change their behavior. In these cases, it may be necessary to consider other options, such as relocating the professional to another position in the organization, or developing specific work plans that consider behavioral inflexibility.
Leaders and instructional designers can help change the behavior of professionals by emphasizing the importance of innovation and experimentation. They can encourage participation in activities that promote behavioral flexibility and value professionals who seek creative solutions to problems.
Regardless of the strategy used, it is essential that leaders and instructional designers emphasize the importance of innovation and behavioral flexibility and encourage their professionals to seek creative solutions to the challenges they face. Over time, these practices can lead to a more innovative and adaptable organizational culture, which can be essential for the long-term success of the organization.
In summary, behavioral rigidity and inflexibility can be challenging behaviors to deal with in professionals, but there are strategies that leaders and designers can use to help professionals develop skills that stimulate behavioral flexibility. By planning challenging tasks, stimulating problem-solving, making comparisons, and stimulating hypothesis creation, professionals can learn to think more flexibly and consider multiple solutions to a problem. Over time, these practices can lead to a more innovative and adaptable organizational culture, which can be essential for the long-term success of the organization.
Designing for Thinking
- Design for Thinking: A Strategy for Effective Decision-Making in Instructional Design
- Reflections on D4T and its Implications: A Comprehensive Overview
- Terminology of Design for Thinking: A Glossary of Key Concepts
- Analyzing the Environment: A Crucial Phase in Design for Thinking
- ➡️ Inertial Behaviors: Recognizing and Establishing Goals, Directions, and Priorities
- Thinking Operations: Making Decisions and Choices for Effective Learning Solutions
- Central Problem: Identifying the Core Issue for Effective Instructional Design
- Collaborating with SMEs: Conducting Effective Meetings to Identify Challenges and Solutions
- Content Coding: Structuring Information in a Logical and Consistent Manner
- Learning Arc: Guiding the Design of Learning Solutions
- Case Study: Designing an Effective Credit Real Estate Course Using D4T
- Step-by-Step Guide to D4T: A Comprehensive Guide for Applying the Strategy in Your Projects