Leadership Series: Change Management
John F. Kennedy once taught an important principle:
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain the miss the future.”
Inviting change, handling change and perhaps most importantly leading change are essential capabilities of influential leaders. So today, we’ll discuss five principles of what business strategists and behavioral economists have called, “Change Management.” See more at http://www.strategy-business.com/article/rr00006?gko=643d0
- Address the “human side” systematically
When change occurs, people react. Some react by embracing, others by waiting for others to move first and others reject change altogether. For this reason, it’s essential that leadership has a structured release of the change plan resulting implications across the board.
- Involve every layer
Since organizational change requires support at all levels, it’s essential to identify key leadership and individuals at all levels of the organizations to initiate and sustain execution of changes from the top down. These people will serve as role models to inspire those near them and be a fast resource for trust and communication.
- Make the formal case
People will not likely change unless they know why they should. Be sure to clearly and simply answer the three fundamental questions: What is being changed? How are these changes going to affect me and the organization? And, why is this change necessary. Always remember, “The ‘what’ informs and the ‘why’ transforms” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf).
- Create ownership
When key leaders and individuals at every level begin to embrace change, it’s vital that there is more than mere agreement with the new direction—there must be ownership. As senior leaders seek for others to own the new organizational changes, these change owners begin to expand their influence and support others that are struggling and need support throughout the process—people that leadership won’t readily be able to reach.
- Speak to the individual
Someone once said, “Organizations don’t change, people do.” This is the critical element of change management. No matter how “perfect” a strategy may be or how much capital has been invested, an organization will not change, unless the people do. With that in mind, it must be understood that people cannot be changed, they can only be invited or inspired to do so. The actual change must come through conscious decision and constant effort by the thoughts and actions of those that make up the organization. Focus on the individual and you will find the source of change.
In review: have and communicate a plan, involve people at all levels, teach the “why,” create ownership and speak to the individual. As you do so, you will have the depth and breadth of leadership needed to move forward into the future.
We hope this post has been insightful and inspiring and wish you the best as you and those in your organization embrace change, “the law of life.” We look forward to your success!