Change is inevitable, but how do we manage that change most effectively? Most business leaders recognize the value of leading through a period of transition, from one state to another. That’s why having strong change management strategies in place is so important. In this blog post, we will explore the ten best practices for successful organizational change management, including communication strategies and team-building measures for optimal success.
1. Choose the Right Change Agents
The change process, especially at the beginning, can often be challenging and unpredictable. Identifying and selecting the right change agents will help support the change process and keep it running smoothly. Key attributes might include choosing individuals with: A stake in the game; someone who takes the job personally and is committed to making a difference. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The capacity work effectively in a variety of situations; change management is known for its surprises. Lastly, the ability to set priorities and keep team members engaged and moving forward.
2.Make the Change Desirable
Help your employees understand the need for the change in the organization by discussing problems with the current system and soliciting advice in making the change successful. Compile this feedback with statistics and financial data. Design a presentation that promotes the change.
3. Make the Change Relevant
Present the big picture, by outlining the organization’s goals and illustrating how the change will help achieve them. Then break down the benefits as they apply directly to the employees. For example, more efficient sales software will benefit sales reps because they can spend less time on paperwork and more time earning commissions. Managers will benefit because they will get reports quicker, instead of having to wait for sales reps to finish documenting.
4. Communicate the Change on All Levels
A study conducted with input from 288 organizations found that employees most want to hear messages about change from their CEO and their immediate supervisor. The CEO can communicate the broad impact on the company. Managers can provide more detail based on the way the change affects their team members.
5. Time It Right
Employees tend to resist change more when it is sudden, and they have little time to adjust. It’s important to release change information as soon as possible, then roll out the change in incremental steps. Try not to implement change during a time of the year that is busy, or when the organization is under exceptional pressure.
6. Iron Out the Kinks Before Release
Nothing is more frustrating than a new software system that is buggy, or a new set of rules that never stays the same. Make sure the change is rock-solid before you start implementing it.
7. Recruit Help from Within to Manage Change
David Capece, founder and CEO of Sparxoo, recommends identifying and training “change ambassadors”. Choose individuals with charismatic personalities who are widely respected among their teams. Train these employees first, then allow them to set a positive and encouraging atmosphere while guiding other employees.
8. Fully Integrate the Change
Help existing employees adapt to the change faster, and make sure new employees understand it right away by keeping material within the organization up-to-date. This might include everything from your company’s mission statement, to performance review guidelines, to new hire orientation programs.
9. Keep Checking In
Regularly meet with your change team and encourage employees to provide feedback on the modified operations to quickly identify what is working and what is not. If your plan hits a snag, correct it as quickly as possible before it sours the atmosphere.
10. Give It Time
Don’t expect your employees to adjust to the change right away. Make it clear that there is a learning curve, and that you are open to questions, concerns, and suggestions. Accept course corrections. Remember that being flexible and collaborative will help you perfect the change even if you take a slightly different route to your goal.
In conclusion, successful organizational change involves more than a single strategy, process, or leadership program — it requires an integrated view of the change that’s rooted in substantive approaches to how and why organizations operate. Change management activities must be tailored to address the objectives at hand and can include elements like stakeholder assessment, communication planning, training development and rollout, employee engagement support, project tracking and more.
Pretty valuable stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree! Share your thoughts with me afterwards: email me at mjones@simplyleadcoaching.com.