From Sheryl Crow’s “A Change Would Do You Good” to David Bowie singing “Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes,” change is a dominant factor in our society.
Change is inevitable, especially in the work environment. It can occur as a result of internal and external influences such as technology advances in the market, the addition or elimination of a product line, or adapting to the current economic climate. It’s the job of the manager to help ensure changes are communicated and implemented successfully.
Effective managers are attuned and sensitive to stakeholder needs, track the critical political issues, and are adept at managing the resistance to change efforts. These managers rarely make a misstep as they maneuver through complex political situations. They know how get complicated things done smoothly.
With a little effort on your part, you can make sure your employees not only ease into change, but also learn to adapt to it.
The first step in managing change is to be sure that people understand what you are trying to accomplish. You have to communicate to your employees why the old way is no longer sustainable and explain how these changes will make the company stronger and more efficient.
Next, others need to know how they can contribute to achieving this change and what is expected of them.
Here are some other ways to involve your direct reports:
Remember to always be flexible and prepared to change your action plans if internal or external factors alter the organization’s strategic direction.
If you work hard to smooth these transitions, a change may actually do you and the company “good.”