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As someone wise once said, “Nothing endures but change.” As this comment by the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus  highlights, change is the only certainty in life. Another wise person has done extensive research into the ways we respond to this fact of life.

Everett Rogers’ studies cover the full spectrum of change. His Diffusion of Innovations Model can help all of us identify ways to respond powerfully to change. Rogers’ view is that “The degree that a person is open to change and innovation will seriously affect the rate of change.” He identified five categories of innovativeness. Which one are you?

Innovators – in at the start

According to Rogers’ research, Innovators are the first 2.5% of the population to adopt new ideas. They’re the intellectual risk takers who get connected with other innovators. These are the experimenters who can understand and apply complex technical concepts. They’re also able to withstand a high degree of uncertainty.

Early Adopters – an important influence

Making up the next 13.5% of the population, Early Adopters are usually more integrated into the local system than Innovators. These people are good at influencing friends and colleagues. They successfully put new ideas into practice. This is often the most influential group because others respect their opinions about new innovations.

The Early Majority – sharing ideas

The next 34% of the population is made up of the Early Majority. They’re usually just ahead of the average members of the group when it comes to adopting new ideas. They might not have as much influence as the Early Adopters, but they do help spread ideas and connections.

The Late Majority – a cautious approach

The next 34% features the Late Majority. These people are likely to adopt changes just after the average member of a system. Peer pressure is likely to get them to adopt new ideas, but they usually remain sceptical and cautious! They like to know what they’re getting into before they make a change.

Resisters – taking their time

Resisters are the final 16% of the population to adopt innovative changes. Their decisions are usually based on what has been done before. Resisters are generally suspicious of both innovations and change agents. They often need to be sure that a new idea won’t fail before they can adopt it.

Did you recognise yourself and the people you know? Are you a shaper or a follower of change?  Rogers’ research shows that for change to really take hold, at least 15 or 20% of a target population must accept it. Early Adopters are the most vital group for change because they’re the ones who have links to the innovators and to the more cautious groups. Want to make change happen in your business or personal life? Understanding the people around you and how they relate to innovation is a vital step towards making things happen. Are you going through change? Then join our Change Management for Managers course.