Bringing It Together
You’ve learned that Armenakis’ model gives us five core change messages that build readiness. The Adaptive Intelligence Cycle™ (AIC) gives us a deeper diagnostic and sequencing engine for leading change.
When we combine them, we:
Link what to say (Armenakis) with what to think and do (AIC).
Keep communication aligned with strategy and adaptive capacity.
Give leaders a clear “readiness narrative” that’s grounded in evidence and action.
The AIC Framework at a Glance
Three Phases:
Thinking Frame – How we define reality and our approach.
System Evolution Loop – How we sequence and deliver change.
Human Drive Train – How people power, adopt, and sustain the change.
Seven Components:
Thinking Frame: Constructor Theory (CT), Good Explanations (Deutsch), Critical Rationalism (Popper)
System Evolution Loop: Functional Information (FI), Adjacent Possible (AP)
Human Drive Train: Change Fitness (CF), Paradigm Dynamics (Kuhn)
Integration Table: Messages, Phases, and Components
| Armenakis Message | AIC Phase | AIC Component(s) | Leadership Focus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discrepancy – Why change is needed | Thinking Frame | CT, FI | Map the gap: what’s impossible now, how far to the desired state. | |
| Appropriateness – Why this change | Thinking Frame → System Evolution Loop | AP, Good Explanations | Show the next reachable step and make the rationale hard to vary. | |
| Efficacy – Can we do it? | System Evolution Loop | FI, AP | Build belief by showing existing capabilities and achievable next moves. | |
| Principal Support – Who’s backing us | Human Drive Train | Kuhn, Popper | Make visible the leaders bridging to the new paradigm and modelling openness. | |
| Personal Valence – What’s in it for me | System Evolution Loop → Human Drive Train | AP, Good Explanations, CF | Connect the change to each person’s meaningful next step and capability growth. |
KEY
CT – Constructor Theory
FI – Functional Information
AP – Adjacent Possible
CF – Change Fitness
How to Use in Practice
Start with the Cycle: Identify which phase you’re in.
Choose the Message: Pick the Armenakis message most relevant to the current need.
Anchor in the Component: Use the AIC diagnostic or lens that strengthens that message.
Deliver in Context: Speak in the language that your team or stakeholders can act on now.
Practice Prompt
Take a current change initiative and:
Identify the AIC phase it’s in.
Select one of the five messages to emphasise now.
Utilise the linked AIC component to enhance the credibility and actionability of your message.
Draft your message in no more than four sentences.
Reflection Questions
- Which messages are you strongest at delivering?
- Which AIC components feel most natural for you to draw on?
- How could you bring the two models together in your next team communication?