For change to be successful, people must desire to support and participate in the change.
To gain mastery over handling change, consider participating Change Management Training Course by pdtraining in Napier, Christchurch and other cities.
Simply building awareness does not generate desire. Showing everyone what is in it for them will produce a great starting point and help generate support. The beginning of the change process is very important and showing the affected parties how the change will improve their environment will initiate the process on the right foot.
What’s in it for Me?
In order to answer the question “What’s in it for Me?”, or WIFM, change management leadership must create energy and engagement around the change. This builds momentum, and instills support at all levels of the organisation. Factors that influence WIFM are:
- The nature of the change
- The organisational context for the change
- An employee’s personal situation
- What motivates the person as an individual?
The next exercise provides data input that can be used to discover what’s in the change for employees at Contemporary Chemical.
Building Support
Effective communications are essential for building support throughout the organisation.
Whoever communicates with people impacted by a change must have a clear understanding of the overall nature of the change, its reasons, and how it aligns with the vision for the organisation. He or she must understand the risks of not changing, the timing for the change, and what people will be most impacted by the change.
Communications options are many, including email, presentations, postings on the organisation’s intranet, flyers and circulars, banners, online or phone conferences, and special social events.
Beforehand, communicators should identify and segment audience groups, craft messages appropriate for each audience, and determine the most effective packaging, timing, and methods for communicating.
- Executive sponsorship
- Coaching by managers and supervisors
- Ready access to business information
Understanding Change
Change is constant and will always occur, and understanding its components on an individual level can help us relate it to an organizational level. Change is important to understand, as it affects many facets of an organisation. Its effect on the individual is of great importance as it will filter through and influence all levels of the organisation. Organisational change can create fear and uncertainty, it is important to understand these influences; what is expected when they do occur, and preparing for them when they happen.
Influences on Change
Typically causes of change can be split into two categories: Internal and External.
No organisation is an island and external forces are always influencing and interacting with its existence. Individuals and organisations may have very little ability to influence such external factors such as politics, culture, economy, societal changes, or technology. It is important to understand that if the change is the result of an external factor, accept the change, and then modify any internal processes or items that are affected by the external influence.
Internal factors are very numerous, as almost any item or event can influence change within an organisation, but some of the more influential ones are employees, policies, organisation structure, managerial, and financial. With internal causes of change we have the most ability to control and prepare the outcomes of such events. The benefits of this are numerous as we can prepare with education, communication, training, and support. These tools will help mitigate any negative outcomes which may occur as a result of the change.
Common Reactions to Change
- Denial: If a change is announced some people may feel that the change is not necessary. They may be reluctant to listen or deny any facts or information presented to support the change.
- Resistance: With any change there will always be people who resist the change. Resistance is very common and stems from a fear of the unknown. Not knowing how an event is going to turn out can be a scary event for those who go through the change.
- Anger: When change occurs and the norm is uprooted, people can experience anger. People may lash out and become uncooperative during this time. Humans are creatures of habit, and when that changes people can become angry.
- Indifference: People just may not care, or the change may not have an impact on their routines or work. Be wary of this, as the change may be intended to have an impact, if the individual is indifferent about it the change then they may not understand or accept it.
- Acceptance: Changes generally occur for the better and have a positive influence on those involved. Even with positive change acceptance may not happen right away, but should occur quicker as opposed to when the change is perceived to be negative.
Tools to Help the Change Process
Preparing for the change is very important as with preparation comes more chance of success. These tools will help facilitate the change process and provide it the best chances for success.
- Communication: Keep the lines of communication open before, during and after the change as on the fly changes may be needed. This will help with any unforeseen events that occur during the change. It will also help to learn for the event which should make future changes occur even smoother.
- Education: Educate all parties the reasons for the change, and what the expected outcomes will be. People want to know why a change is occurring. It will also help to stop and clear up any rumors that may have been spread.
- Training: Make sure all parties are trained and up to date with any and all material required for the change. A very important step if the change involves adding or removing any pertinent in the business.
- Flexibility: When change is planned for not all events can be foreseen. Be flexible and ready to modify or update the current plan to account for any unforeseen events.
- Affected Parties: It is especially important to have the individuals that are involved in the change participate in the change process. They may be able to shed light into the subject from an expert’s point of view.
These tools will help battle any negative reactions when they occur, and with more preparation the change should be smoother.
Pdtraining delivers 1000’s of professional development courses each year in Wellington, Auckland, Napier, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin and Tauranga, so you can be assured your training will be delivered by a qualified and experienced trainer.
All public Change Management Training courses include am/pm tea, lunch, printed courseware and a certificate of completion. Customised courses are available upon request so please contact pdtraining on 1300 121 400 to learn more.