Change Management Practice

All successful businesses must be open to change. Flexibility is crucial to growth, and any organisation that refuses to change risks missing out on their full potential. Change can be difficult for staff to cope with, however. People like to form routines that they know they can safely follow each day. For businesses managing change, strong leadership is required as this often makes the difference between success and failure. The challenge for leaders is convincing their teams that the change is good and necessary. If the whole team isn’t on board with the new direction they’re taking, there will be resistance, which lowers productivity and morale all-round.

Dealing With Business Changes

There are a number of ways of dealing with change and creating an environment where it can be accepted. It’s important to build a work culture that promotes and encourages changing and growing – many businesses fall into the rut of simply doing the same thing over and over because it works for now. As a result, some employees will also become comfortable in their limited work duties and will be resistant to change. Encouraging flexibility, being open to new ideas and maintaining transparency are important steps to develop a change-friendly culture. It is natural for employees to have some fear of change, especially if they’re worried their job is on the line, so it’s important to reassure them that any new developments have been carefully considered. Communication is essential – maintain an open, collaborative relationship with staff and keep them updated on what is happening at each stage of the change process.

Successful Change Management Practice

To facilitate a successful change management process, you need the right people, the right tools and the right approach. Business coaching can help you evaluate your organisation, identify what adjustments need to occur and decide how change management can be best delivered across the company. Changing recklessly and without adequate preparation can be disastrous for the outcome of a business. Heading in a new direction is the one time where you need every possible support from your leaders and their teams.

Contact us to find out how we can assist your organisation with change management.

Related articles from our Leadership Blog:

• Turning Around an Organisation: What Gives You Access To The Wheel
• Leaders For The Future: Leaders Moving The Business Forward Or Holding It Back
• Change Management and Business Turnaround
• Leadership Team Role in Organisational Change is Critical

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