Engaged! Tip#6 – Navigating the Sea of Change

Leading Organizational Change

In today’s turbulent economic environment, business leaders are asking, “What can I do to prepare my organization for the changes ahead?” To meet the changing demands of customers and outside forces, great leaders know they need to change the way they do business. They also know their success depends on their ability to engage their entire workforce in the change process.

The winds of change are threatening to create “The Perfect Storm” for many businesses, but organizations that are prepared will use the storm to propel them where they want to go. As a leader, you must create a vision for the future, realign your organization’s goals and systems with that vision, and inspire your employees to make the necessary changes.

What is your goal? In short, it is to provide your customers with superb products and services faster, better and at a lower cost. What will you need to do differently to achieve this? And how will you inspire your team to get on board? Take the following steps:

Create Your Vision and Communicate It

A clear vision of the changes to be made is instrumental in directing employee work, aligning it with the change effort, and inspiring action. During the change process, normal communication channels in the company need to be expanded. Find ways to share your vision, and give employees an opportunity to provide input. Be a careful listener. Establish goals and get all employees to commit to specific actions they will take to enact change.

Involve Employees in the Process

Typically, employees are not so much against change as they are against being changed. The sooner you involve employees in the change process, the better off you will be. Solicit the opinions, recommendations and reactions of frontline employees, who are often the first to see a need for change and come up with valuable ideas.

A natural instinct for managers and supervisors is to keep the people expected to be resistant to change out of the loop until absolutely necessary. This is a fatal mistake. Instead, get your most resistant employees involved up front. People who are involved have a better understanding of why change needs to be made and are usually less resistant to innovation.

Foster a Sense of Urgency

A high level of urgency speeds people through the transition process, inspiring employees to more quickly commit to changes. This does not mean putting your organization in a chronic state of panic, but rather generating a culture in which people are always looking for opportunities to surpass their competitors and exceed customers’ expectations. To do this:

  • Develop systems that provide frequent performance data about products, competitors and customers.
  • Communicate the information throughout your organization.
  • Use the information to make frequent course corrections.

Remove Roadblocks

The best efforts to effect change can be stymied by roadblocks, real or perceived. Work with your employees to gain an understanding of any obstacles they anticipate might hinder their ability to fully change. Outline a plan to remove the obstacles. Then get out of the way and watch your employees use their talents to create success for your business.

Promote Teamwork

With the accelerated pace generated by change, individuals will not have the time to single-handedly assimilate all the information and comprehend all the technological changes that present themselves. High-performing teams will outperform individuals in almost every instance, enabling your organization to make solid decisions and adapt more quickly.

Empower Employees

As stated by John P. Kotter in his book Leading Change, “The hearts and minds of all members of the workforce are needed to cope with the fast-shifting realities of the business climate. Without sufficient empowerment, critical information about quality sits unused in workers’ minds and energy to implement changes lies dormant.”

Combining flatter hierarchies, less bureaucracy and a willingness to take risks with trust in employees and effective delegation will allow your workforce to play a critical role in effecting change.

Focus on Customers

Knowing your customers, anticipating their needs, and giving them more than they expect are critical to your success. Implement methods to monitor your customers’ changing needs and expectations. Frequently measure their satisfaction. Make everyone in your organization an ambassador for your customers–ready to do whatever it takes to win their loyalty. Finally, reward your employees’ efforts in this area.

Acknowledge Short-Term Wins

Short-term wins help maintain momentum. People need to see compelling evidence that their efforts are producing the desired results. Celebrate accomplishment of short-term goals and regularly show people specifically how changes have increased business performance.

Take Care of Your Workforce

Employees are the critical link in every organization’s success. If you focus solely on the marketplace or new technologies, you will miss a vital opportunity to meet your goal. Take a personal interest in your employees’ well-being. Create an environment that optimizes their ability to perform. Provide development opportunities that give workers the skills they need to meet the future head-on. No matter what industry you’re in, it is essential to equip employees with a strong work ethic, decision-making skills, and the ability to analyze situations and think creatively.

Demonstrate Unwavering Commitment

Keep your vision and the reason for making the change at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Plot your course and hold fast to it. Repeat the vision often and express your commitment even when challenges arise. You cannot waver, or change will never become a reality.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Your attitude will be a major factor in determining the climate of your organization. Change can be stressful and confusing. Your attitude is the one thing that keeps you in control. Remain upbeat, positive and enthusiastic. During times of transition, recognize your employees for their extra effort. Believe in their success and they will endeavor to exceed your expectations and create smooth sailing for your business.