Management Of Change
Posted by abdul on 15 Nov 2009 at 6:00 pm | Tagged as:
One of the most important skills that any business owner or entrepreneur should have is effective change management. I can’t think of a single work environment where change management is not important. Change is important as it is that which takes your company forward. Change is growth. A stagnant company which is doing well but not adaptable or even open to change is sure to fail. There are no two ways about it. As a business owner you have to deal with change in every area of your business. You have to keep track of a changing customer case, their changing needs and demands, you have to change your marketing strategies often as all marketing tactics have a short shelf life, and you have to learn to change your production technology and methods to embrace advances in science; among many others. Change management is crucial as it will help you keep the chaos at a minimum and try to ensure as smooth functioning as possible in the given scenario ( during a change).
Everyone reacts differently to change as everybody has basic, fundamental needs that need to be met. Everyone’s needs again, are different. Change can often result in a loss of some sort which is difficult to deal with. People often have exaggerated expectations and fears. You need to meet these in as realistic and objective a manner as possible.Change management can be a daunting task.However; you can master this task with a few simple tips and ideas.
1) Give out information: You need to be honest when you give out information. You need to be optimistic so that you do not leave room for fear but at the same time you have to ensure that no unrealistic expectations arise either.
2) Develop a good communication strategy: You have to make sure that news does not spread via the ‘grapevine’”. This can end up being very dangerous. Instead develop a good communication strategy and utilise it to meet individual needs, doubts etc. effectively.
3) Let them choose: Give people options or choices to choose from and let them make their own decisions. This way you satisfy their need to control and also to feel included.
You can employ all of the above change management strategies whenever you are going to undergo any major change in your business. You will end up dealing with the situation effectively and be able to convince people to welcome change much more easily. People will also be more likely to embrace the change faster than otherwise. Effective change management can lead to phenomenal growth and definitely contribute to the smooth functioning of your business.
