There are not many organisations this year which will not be looking hard at organisation, processes and systems in order to respond to changing market conditions. Change Management has as much to do with leadership and interpersonal skills as it does with Project Management or systems development.
Whilst techniques for Project Management, Business Analysis, and Benefits Management play an important role, when it comes to delivering change then it is the personal and behavioural aspects which are also crucial to success.
We hope you find these tips useful – and inspire you to delve deeper into the specialist literature, or explore the excellent Change Management training courses accredited by the APMG.
1. Vision & Strategy
People find change deeply disturbing and threatening. During implementation there may be confusion and chaos. It is vital that the destination and logic is clear and stable throughout.
2. Communication
You will only start to overcome personal resistance if you can convey the reasons for the change and the reasons why specific actions need to be taken. This needs to be maintained throughout.
3. Involvement
Take those affected through the change drivers and objectives. There is often much more agreement than you would expect once the facts and hard realities are being openly discussed.
4. Sense of Urgency
To overcome resistance to change you need to build a head of steam. There is no room for complacency.
5. Realistic, Achievable and Measurable objectives
At both personal and organisational levels it is vital that objectives are crisply defined and success can be recognised.
6. Culture
Build a leadership team which is not only empowered to drive the necessary actions – but which also conveys through actions and words the organisational style that you seek.
7. Overcome Road Blocks
Change can be obstructed by dogma, systems, or prominent individuals. You must remove these obstacles or navigate routes around them.
8. Short Term Wins
You are a missionary. You need stories and parables to tell. Early wins can help paint a tangible picture of what you are looking to achieve.
9. Create Goodwill
Be respectful and helpful at all times – this will be repaid.
10. Celebrate and reward
There will be winners and losers. It is vital that sacrifices are respected and the future team understands when goals have been achieved.
>> Change Management Training Courses
>> Article from Training & Development
Blogalot – April 2010
