Managing Change

Dealing with Change/Transformation Programs for organisations I am constantly managing change and dealing with change.

Here are some of my take aways for managing change:

1. Almost everybody is scared of change, even people dealing with change on a regular basis. Everyone has their own comfort zone and managing change is about expanding the horizons this comfort zone. Explore ways to expand this.
2. Management and Leadership teams should re-inforce again and again and yet “again” that change is good and the only way to move forward. Only change is constant and the way to future success.
3. Link change with opportunities and excitement and remove/eliminate team and individual fears of how it will impact them. Change is implemented for a brighter future. Explore and talk about their future often.
4. Get the leaders on your side. Even better get end-users on your side first.
5. Empower people to ask questions.
6. Leaders need to be firm on their stance on change. It is either “Change” way or take the “High” way approach. Negativity and people hanging onto status quo can be a massive impediment in implementing change.
7. Managing change is just not a leader’s role. Empower individuals to be change champions and to be change advocates.
8. Strengthen the change muscle of individuals, teams, business units and organisation.
9. Implement appropriate and engaging training to the right people at the right time.
10. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Worse news must be communicated before good news. Link good stories to the upcoming and future possibilities.
11. Don’t forget to smile.