Change ManagementInterpersonal SkillsLeadership SkillsPersonal SkillsTeamwork

Change Management

Change management is the science, psychology, engineering, behavioral science, systems thinking, or perhaps the art of managing self and others through a transitional period.

Most organizations and a majority of us are constantly changing. It is possible to say that most of us manage the process of change every day. However, the way we handle it, and the way we manage it, differs significantly.

In a competitive corporate world, the business cannot get stagnant. Every day, there are new issues and better methods of working. But any change you implement must be planned and executed with care. If it fails, you could cause more damage than it benefits! This is where change management comes into play.

It’s a systematic approach that ensures changes are executed smoothly and efficiently and have the desired effect.

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There many theories that can also help you in templating your change process like:

The article will explain how you can implement positive and effective change within your company by utilizing four fundamental elements of effective change management.

4 Change Management Principles

The success of change management depends on four fundamental tenets:

  • Learn to Understand Change.
  • Plan Change.
  • Implement Change.
  • Communicate Change.

Let’s take a look at each in turn, as well as some techniques and tools that we can use and apply:

1. Learn to Understand change

To effectively communicate the advantages of changes, you must know them for yourself. Think about:

  • What are the reasons you should alter your behavior?
  • What are your primary goals?
  • What are the advantages of the new system for the company?
  • What impact will it have on the lives of people?
  • What will this mean for the way employees are hired?
  • What are the things that people must do to make the desired change?

It is also helpful to consider the negative consequences of not making the change.

2. Plan Change

Effective change doesn’t happen through chance. Any strategy you create must be appropriate for your company. How changes are managed differs from one organization to the next.

Some organizations employ rigid change processes, whereas others are more flexible and open in their methods. However, generally speaking, you’ll need to think about these things:

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  • How can you get and utilize high-level support for the transformation?
  • Who can best assist you in defining and implementing the changes?
  • In particular, do you require outside expertise? Or, can you make use of internal resources?

Buy-in

  • Change is most effective when you’re capable of gaining the support of all employees.
  • What are the best ways to accomplish this? Impact.
  • Then, consider what success means.
  • What are the best ways to predict and evaluate the effect of the changes you have to implement?
  • What are your goals to reach?

3. Implementing change

How exactly are you going to bring about change? There are various ways you can decide to put your plan into action. The best way is by infusing an urgency into your actions to build momentum and get everyone else to support your efforts. It is crucial to take note of others’ emotions while putting your plan into practice. Note that everyone goes through organizational changes starting with denial and shock. The following steps will aid you in implementing the change you want to make:

  • Ensure that everyone involved in the change process understands the required changes and what this means to them.
  • Set the criteria for the success of your changes. Make sure they are regularly monitored and analyzed.
  • Find and define all the stakeholders who are expected to be affected by the changes. Try to determine their level of involvement.
  • Determine any training requirements to be addressed to implement the change successfully.
  • Designate “change agents” who can help put the new procedures in the right place. They can also serve as role models for the new method.
  • Find ways to alter people’s habits so that the new habits are accepted as the standard.
  • Make sure everyone is encouraged throughout the transition process.

4. Communication of Change

Communication is a crucial element of managing Change. The change you wish to make must be simple and pertinent to ensure that people know what you’re asking them to accomplish and why they should take action. But, it would be best if you also create the right atmosphere to get the desired emotional response you’re hoping to get.

It’s an excellent idea to connect the changes you’re planning on making to your company’s goals and vision statement. This will help people understand how the changes positively impact the “bigger image,” it will also give them an inspirational vision that is shared for the future.

Make sure you practice effective stakeholder management. This will help you deliver the people the right information at the right moment to receive the support you require for your plan.

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What are barriers for change?

Even the most detailed plans will encounter setbacks.

Be prepared for issues when they develop. People may be skeptical regarding your plans. Therefore you’ll need to recognize the issue and be aware of any opposition and “immunity” to changes.

There’s a chance that you’ll run against the cultural barriers to changing. Suppose your organization’s culture does not embrace change or push against change.

In that case, you’ll need to come up with ways to reward the flexibility of your employees, establish role models for changing and keep repeating your main messages until the environment begins to change.


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Marty Hoffman

Marty Hoffman, MBA, PhD Management Consultant for Fortune 500 and Corporate Strategist 📍 San Francisco, CA More »

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