Management Tips: 3 Ways for Managing Change
Your Mission: To reinvent continuously [In order manage change effectively].
Why do you reinvent yourself or your work? After all, it’s really hard work.
Logically, you look at results and performance. The results you are getting today are the product of systems and processes currently in place. And if you don’t like those results, you have to change the system. After all, the definition of crazy is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
So, it makes sense that reinvention is needed…but the funny thing is, when you read the words “reinvent continuously”, a third of you cringed, a third of you said “yay!”, and a third of you needed more information to determine how you felt.
This varying response to change can be seen in organizations around the world on a daily basis. As a leader, you have to find a way to manage change…because it has to happen in order for your organization to be successful. But we can’t forget that within our organizations, there are those who feel just like you, those who feel the exact opposite, and those who are somewhere in between.
Behaviors are a spectrum; the way we present new ideas should be too. Here are 3 things every manager or leader should keep in mind when presenting a change to your group:
- Ask for feedback from all parties involved. Once you’ve made a decision, communicate to the team that you gave careful evaluation of both options and that the team is moving forward with the best one. Be prepared to show the analysis with the group.
- First-third Flexibles (or those who prefer greater definition) will appreciate that if you decide to change direction, at least you have a solid reason for the change.
- Third-third Flexibles (or those who welcome change openly) will appreciate that you considered new ideas even if you end up keeping with the existing system.
- Maintain a firm commitment to the new idea. Have a decided heart. Changing your mind a month later will cause you to lose credibility with first-thirds. Third-thirds might need a regular reminder that the team is going to “stay the course” and give the new system a chance to work.
- Choose your battles carefully and recognize that change doesn’t have to happen just for the sake of change. Sometimes existing programs and systems work, too. And that’s ok!
A healthy balance throughout the spectrum of flexibility will help you drive continual reinvention in a way that manages to keep your group even keeled, your teams engaged, and your organization thriving.
This is the third blog post in a series of Management Tips pertaining to behavioral attributes and the importance of self-awareness. Read the previous post here.
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