Where to spend valuable time during change



"Change is a threat when done TO people, but an opportunity when done BY them. Choice and voice reduce resistance," says Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard business professor and management author.

Every time you make a change, alter a strategy, update a plan, modify a procedure, adjust a direction or amend a goal you are introducing change.

The natural reaction to change is resistance but you can lower resistance by gathering input into the change/ strategy/ plan/ procedure/ direction/ goal.

It takes longer to prepare for the change by getting input from people involved in or impacted by the change. However, you will have considerably less resistance and therefore, less time and resources in implementing the change!

I have seen strong resistance decrease substantially when we gathered people together and asked them what they thought about the proposed change, how they thought it was going to impact them and what we could do better. We listened without defensiveness and gathered some wonderful ideas from people that helped us shape the change plans to be more effectiveness, more supported and less expensive.

The key to asking for input is to be serious about doing something about the ideas that are generated. If you ask for people's thoughts you are setting up an expectation that you will do something about it. So be open to new ideas and listen to what people are saying and listen to the feelings and emotions underlying their fears.

You might just get ideas that are superior to what you've determined - I know it's happened many times for me.

You make the choice - take the time upfront to get people involved or take the time later to deal with resistance.

You will be a better leader, a more strategic thinker and reach your goals sooner - all from involving people in the change.

Want to talk about change? Contact Me