The Change Style Indicator Second Edition from MHS shows a person's preferred approach to change on a continuum from Conserver through Pragmatist to Originator.

How long does the CSI 2 take?

2 to 10 minutes online. It has 20 forced-choice items, according to MHS.

Is certification required to use the CSI 2?

No. MHS removed mandatory certification and provides self-paced training modules to CSI 2 users.

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Change style · Online assessment with debrief

Change Style Indicator® Second Edition (CSI™ 2)

Change frameworks show what has to happen. The CSI™ 2 from Multi-Health Systems (MHS) shows how people experience change, starting with you, as a Conserver, a Pragmatist or an Originator. Every style brings strengths, so no one gets labeled "resistant to change."

$449.95report and one hour with James2–10 minutesonline20forced-choice items3change styles

Purchase the CSI™ 2 The research

96,427 peopleIn the norm, across six world regions

2–10 minutesOnline, 20 forced-choice items

2 reportsIndividual and Group

3 languagesEnglish, Spanish and French

MHS, CSI™ 2 brochure (2025) and CSI™ 2 FAQ, read 6 NOV 2026.

What the CSI™ 2 measures

One preference, change style, placed on a continuum from gradual change to radical change.

Scores 60 to 10 · 36% of people

Conserver

Prefers gradual, thoughtful change and wants clarity, continuity and time. Their questions protect what works. They are not resistance.

Scores 9 to 9 · 47% of people

Pragmatist

Balances tradition and new ideas. Wants change to be useful and practical, and asks what the best path is given the resources at hand.

Scores 10 to 60 · 17% of people

Originator

Enjoys novelty and challenge. Looks to the future and pushes for bold moves, which inspires when it is grounded in shared understanding.

"If leaders walk away and stop labeling people as 'resistant to change,' that alone is a win." Program facilitator, MHS case study

Styles: MHS, Elnaz Rezania, "Tailoring Change Management Strategies to Different Change Styles" (27 JUN 2025). Score ranges: MHS, CSI™ 2 FAQ. Shares of the norm: MHS, CSI™ 2 brochure. Quote: MHS, "Building Change-Capable Leaders Using the Change Style Indicator® Second Edition (CSI™ 2)," case study, 2026. Read 6 NOV 2026. Paraphrased.

The CSI™ 2 model

Where each style sits, and the scores that place a person there.

The Change Style Indicator® Second Edition Model: a continuum scored from 60 to 10 for Conserver, 9 to 9 for Pragmatist in the center, and 10 to 60 for Originator

Model: MHS, CSI™ 2 FAQ (public), p. 1, © Multi-Health Systems Inc., shown unaltered.

The research behind it

MHS calls the CSI™ 2 a scientifically validated assessment of a person's preferred approach to change.

Norms: 96,427 people who completed it between January 2017 and December 2023, across six world regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Northern America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Reliability: internal consistency of .81. Scores near 1.0 mean the results hold steady.
Stable over time: test-retest of .80 at 1 to 2 weeks and .75 at 13 to 15 weeks.
Validity: it measures a single factor, change style preference, consistent with the original CSI, and does not measure unrelated concepts such as emotional intelligence, hardiness or psychological flexibility.
Fairness: items and report content went through a cultural review, and no meaningful differences were found across world regions, genders or U.S. racial and ethnic groups.

What you receive

Your Individual Report

Your score and change style preference, with its strengths and potential challenges
A section on each of the three styles: characteristics, preferred work environment and pitfalls when overused
Strategies for collaboration during change
Guidance for leaders supporting a team through change
Next steps for awareness and adaptation

One hour with James

You complete the assessment online. Then we spend one hour together on Zoom discussing your individual results: what your style brings, where it can trip you up, and how to work with people who approach change differently. That hour and your report are included in the price.

For a team, the CSI™ 2 Group Report combines individual results to show the team's overall change composition, its shared strengths and blind spots. LeaderEI® Solutions™ builds it into team workshops.

Report contents: MHS, CSI™ 2 FAQ, read 6 NOV 2026.

Where it's used

Team building

A shared, easy language for talking about change, so differences become strengths instead of friction.

Organizational transformation

Mergers, restructuring and new systems: see who needs clarity and time, and who wants to move fast.

Leadership development

Leaders learn their own change style first, then how to lead people whose style differs.

Uses: MHS, CSI™ 2 FAQ, read 6 NOV 2026.

For coaches and practitioners

MHS requires no certification for the CSI™ 2. With every CSI™ 2 report purchase, MHS provides access to self-paced training modules and facilitation resources. LeaderEI®'s EQ-i 2.0® & EQ 360® certification shows you how to access that free training and how to buy CSI™ 2 tokens and use it with your clients.

MHS, mhs.com/csi-2 and CSI™ 2 FAQ, read 6 NOV 2026.

Questions before you buy

How long does it take?

2 to 10 minutes, online. You receive a link and complete 20 items, each a choice between two statements, which helps clarify your true preference.

Is one style better than another?

No. MHS is clear that there is no better or worse, right or wrong style. Each brings value to an organization in different ways.

What languages is it available in?

The assessment and Individual Report are available in English (North America), Spanish (Europe) and French (Europe). The Group Report is in English (North America).

Who sees my results?

For individual development or coaching, your results are seen only by you and James. See the confidentiality and selection guidance on the Assessments page.

Ready to see your change style? $449.95, including your report and one hour with James.

Purchase the CSI™ 2

Questions before you buy? Email LeaderEI