The Basics of Change
The word “change” provokes many different emotions…from excitement to fear and in between. Change is ongoing within an organization, so why not become knowledgeable on how to manage change within your team and yourself.
Mirriam-Webster Online states: “Change” is:
- to give a different position, course, or direction to
- to replace with another
- to make a shift from one to another
- to undergo a modification of
- to undergo transformation, transition or substitution
Everyone has different reactions to change…some excited, others dreading anything that is out of the ordinary. So how do you predict reactions to change? The basic assumption you can make is that anything or everything that you change will elicit a reaction.
I know you just want to get the work done without having to deal with everyone’s reaction. Yet, if you accept the fact that people react in many different ways, you will be able to manage the process of change better. It doesn’t mean that you have to hand hold each person, just acceptance that change creates a reaction. This will leave you open to handling the process better.
A powerful book “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell, opens your mind to how much impact small changes can be in your organization.
“Managing the Dynamics of Change: The Fastest Path to Creating an Engaged and Productive Workplace” by Jerald M. Jellison…provides clear and simple tools to guide you through change.
What Can You Do
Create a basic “change model” that you can filter all your changes through to minimize stress for you and for your team. You will find that you will communicate differently to your team, which in turn will minimize the stress of change.
Read…learn whatever you can about change…this activity will insure your success in business and in your personal life.
That is what life is all about…change.
Here are areas of change that I will cover in the next few blog posts.
- What Needs to Change Now – take time to review what is working or not working
- Anticipate Changes – business or industry adjustments
- Become Aware of Potential Reactions to Change
- Plan the Changes
- Communication of the Change
- Consistent Follow Up – expect to make mistakes, and just keep reviewing what is working and not working.
Next Topic
What Needs to Change Now
Pat
Other Topics:
During Change…Continuous Communication
Do You Know How To Communicate Change to Your Employees?
Plan The Changes
Reactions to Change
What Needs to Change Now
