How To Bring About Change

Transforming an enterprise from an organization orientation to a process centric is a difficult culture change. It requires a major change in the way the organization is managed. 

Change is not easy. Everyone is for change. The problem is everyone should change except me. Why do I need to change? I have proved that this is the right way to do things. 

Change is not a simple process. It requires a lot of thought, a well developed plan, a sophisticated approach, discipline, emotional intelligence and unfaltering leadership. Different people react differently to change. Expectations would need to be managed realistically. Fear of the unknown, untried, untested way is natural but needs to be overcome. 

Here are 10 rules that should be used to guide your change process: 

• 1. The organization must believe that change is important and valuable to its future.
• 2. There has to be a vision that paints a picture of the desired future state that everyone sees and understands.
• 3. Existing and potential barriers must be identified and removed.
• 4. The total organization must be behind the strategy to achieve the vision.
• 5. The leaders of the organization need to model the process and set an example.
• 6. Training should be provided for the required new skills.
• 7. Measurement systems should be established so that results can be quantified.
• 8. Continuous feedback should be provided to everyone.
• 9. Coaching must be provided to correct undesired behaviour.
• 10. Recognition and reward systems must be established to effectively reinforce desired behaviour. 

Change is crucial for a company’s survival but many companies resist change until it is forced upon them. In a research done by McKinsey & Co., it noted that the leaders of companies in crisis are often in a better position to achieve a true transformation. Why? The survival of the firm is at stake. 

Change is an inevitable part of life and business. Don’t wait till it is too late. Help your people embrace rather than resist it. 

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Written by Robert Chew

Principal Consultant & Corporate Trainer 

Website: www.quartonmanagement.com