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Our world is changing fast - and to just keep up, organisations must change quickly too.
Those that handle the change will thrive, whilst those that do not may struggle to survive.
At the end of the day, effective change is all about PEOPLE and how well they are managed to implement the necessary changes.
But remember: people are very open-minded about new things, as long as they’re exactly like the old ones! Whether it’s the changes that have taken place this month at HSBC which have resulted in a major global restructure from losses in the UK headcount through to the renaming of high street branches, or Lee Jae Yong, son of the Samsung Chairman who is making his stamp on the South Korean group’s jewel, Samsung Electronics Co., changes are an inevitability and it’s vital companies communicate changes so they can be managed and delivered by the workforce.
Follow these 5 top tips to manage change effectively, if you are a manager or leader:-
1. Be clear
What kind of change is required? Is it a major shake-up (transformational change) or a moderate process improvement (incremental change), a slow or rapid roll-out? Each involves different implications and so will affect your people in different ways.
2. Set yourself up…to succeed
Recognise the natural resistance to change; consider how to manage reactions from individuals, teams, stakeholders, customers or other areas of the company. Engage your people with change and what they have to gain by assessing the WIIFM (what’s in it for me?). Be clear with your people about what’s negotiable and what’s not.
3. Set short term goals
A war is only ever won by winning the smaller battles along the way. Identify and reward those quick wins. If goals aren’t met, focus on improvement, not fault-finding.
4. All hands on deck
Get your people engaged and involved in talking about change. Recognise that people are far more inclined to support what they create, and resist what’s forced upon them.
5. Communicate!
More than ever before, ensure your communication with staff is two-way. Seek first to understand, then be understood. Actively encourage and be open to feedback, suggestions and ideas. Set up regular briefings; even if there’s no news, still invest time in short meetings to check out how your people are feeling.
Want to read the rest of the Top Tips for managing change effectively?
Visit the new Creativedge free mobile App providing immediate, expert management and personal development tips and advice on a range of other management and training issues:-
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