All people and organisations have to deal with change. A change in markets, technology, competition, relationships, life styles, divorce to name but a few.
We all have to accept change and learn to manage it effectively, but in troubled times it is imperative that change is managed sensitively. Organisational changes tests leadership qualities to the full.
Once the need for change has been identified, we will be faced with the prospect of implementing the change either personally or within our businesses.
Sticking to the following three steps will ensure that the implementation is as trouble free as possible.
Step 1 Analyse the gap
It is all very well identifying the right changes, but implementing them can appear to be a formidable task.
List the main differences between where you are now and where you intend to be.
This list is essential in the effective management of change. Without this information there will be two potential areas of trouble.
The first problem is likely to come from staff who may feel their needs are not being taken into account. If they feel no one cares about the differences the change will make to their world they will not care much about the company and its attempts to move forward.
The second obstacle is operational. You alone cannot be expected to identify each single difference that change will make to your business, but a co-operative effort could. Those closest to the job will be able to view the changes form a different angle, and perhaps spot unforeseen difficulties or opportunities which you may have missed.
Step 2 Plan the route
The quickest and most effective way of getting anywhere is to work out the best route beforehand. Plan a route which breaks the journey up into manageable chunks. This helps to make the process seem far less formidable.
When planning the route local knowledge is very valuable. That knowledge is usually locked up in the head of your staff, so consultation is not only vital in terms of their involvement but essential if you wish to avoid difficulties.
Step 3 Manage the process
Unless you manage the journey the grand design may fail. What may scupper it is the human factor.
Carole Davidson is a qualified life and business coach based in the UK.
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