BPI Technique – Behavioral Model (BM)

Blog: Biz-Performance, David Brown

A technique for clarifying the difference between the “As-Is” behaviors of employees and the “To-Be” behaviors that are necessary to ensure the effective performance of specific job roles. The Behavior Model provides a succinct summary of the gap between these two sets of behaviors and assists in the process of developing specific change strategies to ensure employees fully adopt their new roles.

The Behavioral Model is a key technique for the development of the Portrait of Desired Behaviors. It ensures that the outcome of this deliverable is very tangible and becomes a key input to the development of the Competency Needs Assessment and the Performance Support and Recognition deliverables.

Clarify the specific focus of the Behavioral Model. It may be a function, process, team role or individual job role.
Identify the current behaviors of employees. Be very specific, noting the specific conditions under which employees typically work, and the standards of their work.
Identify the expected behaviors of employees, noting any changes to the conditions under which they work, and the expected standards of performance.
Identify relevant measures or indicators of changed behavior.
Suggest strategies that will assist in the successful transition from one set of behaviors to another.
Document the results in tabular format to assist with the communication of the findings.

Since it is essential that employees accept the findings of the Behavioral Model, involve them in the development of the models.
Realize that managers need to recognize that behavioral change is a considerable challenge, and to understand the thoughts and feelings that behavioral change can generate. This will enable them to realistically manage the transition to the new world of work. Therefore, work with managers on their own Behavioral Model first, and then focus on the Behavioral Models relating to their employees.

Ensure that there is a diversity of input to the development of the Behavioral Model, particularly with respect to the identification of current behaviors. Encourage openness and honesty, and accept that there may be quite different ways in which people currently behave.