People Change | Introduction To The SARAH Model

The key message of the SARAH model is that change must be planned and managed carefully in order to be successful. This means that you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, and what steps you need to take to get there.

You also need to be prepared to reflect on your progress and make adjustments along the way. By following the SARAH model, you can ensure that your change management process is effective and efficient.

The SARAH model of change of shock, anger, rejection, acceptance and hope are normal emotions that people go through and should be expected on a new business change initiative.

The team initiating the change including the business analyst needs to be aware of these stages and are required to determine strategies suited to the organisation to assist people through the emotions they go through.

The business change plan needs to consider actions that are needed to action the change in a smooth manner.

The business analyst must not overreact and must remain rational and manage their own emotions. The business analyst must empathise with people and stakeholders involve in the business change initiative. They will also need to have patience throughout the change initiative.

You can apply the concept of the SARAH model for business or digital transformations and for organisations that are changing their ways of working from waterfall to agile. Overtime people do adjust – it just takes time for people to go through the emotional stages of change.