„If the world ended tomorrow, I would still pay my debt and plant an apple tree.“

(inspired by M. Luther, cited by O. F. Bollnow)

What is the real challenge in change?

Change management handbooks contain a huge amount of requirements and demands for those seeking to manage change. But still, there is little material about a deeper                     understanding of the challenge of coping with or initiating change.

The concept of New Shelteredness (Bollnow)* may add an enlightening philosophical perspective.

Basically, what Bollnow describes with the term “New Shelteredness” is the possibility to overcome an existentialist conception of human life characterized by crisis and anxiety. He points out the possibility of being in a mode of a genuine, conscious confidence, which allows us to deal with both aspects of life: The possibility of disaster on the one hand and the         possibility of experiencing a world which is lasting and nurturing on the other hand – and at the same time. This in consequence leads to an active, hopeful manner to shape one’s life.

Given that change might be experienced as an existential crisis by many people due to         insecurity and fear of what may come, Bollnow’s idea serves as my inspiration for the           research project. Wouldn’t it be glorious to find a way to change without the emotional stress and resistance that usually go along? Therefore, we need to deeply understand human nature and the challenge of change.

The data found might concretize, enhance, critique or limit the relevance the concept to       understand managerial experiencing and acting in a change scenario.

*Bollnow, O.F. (1960): Neue Geborgenheit. Das Problem einer Überwindung des Existentialismus. Stuttgart