Managing change the right way
Change is inevitable. It’s always going to happen but how we manage is critical for success. Change can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. It is always someone else’s fault or someone to point the finger at. Accountability during these times is extremely difficult for many to accept.
To ensure that change is managed properly, it’s important to have an effective & relevant plan. It must be as straight forward, open and honest as possible. Do not complicate the process as this leads to further anxiety and frustration for many.
Here are some tips for managing change:
- Be open-minded and flexible: when managing change, it’s important to listen to feedback and be flexible to change your initial thoughts. The people on the ground, know what will/won’t work and it’s important to listen to their feedback.
- Have clear goals and objectives: Before beginning the process, it’s important to know what you want the end goal to be. This will provide the roadmap for the process and help ensure that the change is implemented effectively.
- Involve everyone: Change affects everyone so it’s important to ensure the right people are involved and have an opportunity to be heard. Providing feedback as to ‘why’ an idea won’t work is key to ensuring a positive outcome. Even when the employee doesn’t agree, if they have been provided honest feedback during the process they will understand.
- Communication: Effective communication is essential to managing change. Make sure everyone is kept informed of the process and any changes that are made.
- Be prepared for setbacks: Change can be unpredictable so it’s important to be prepared for any potential setbacks. Anticipate any potential problems and have a plan in place to address them.
Change can be difficult to process and is even more difficult to manage. Following these tips can help ensure the process is successful. With a bit of planning and preparation, managing change the right way can be achieved.
