On Tuesdays I write about the top-voted question on “Ask Berkun.” This week’s question came from J.R., who wrote: “What is a favorite theory that you wish more people understood?”

A favorite theory that I wish was more well-known is the Satir Change Model. It’s popular in some circles, but often when I mention it in talks at events, few have seen it before. Virginia Satir was a family therapist who studied how families behave, and in particular, how they respond to change.

We like to believe change and progress are predictable, especially if we’re applying an idea we’ve used before or that is widely accepted. But according to her research (based on family behavior), and her model, even when we’re making the right change, at the right time, confusion and fear are likely.

Satir Change Model

The Satir Change Model is simple and has five parts (shown in figure 1).

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