A Few Things to Look At BEFORE Change Takes Place
If you have the luxury of taking some time before you’re need to change (i.e., your impetus to change is NOT a plane crash, or the imminent nature of running out of gas in your car), here’s a simple checklist to ensure you’re looking at some of the most important planning aspects related to change.
- Are You Committed to Seeing Change ALL THE WAY Through the Process? Unfortunately, most individuals, groups and organizations tend to look at change as a transaction instead of a process. Don’t begin the change process if you’re only considering a “sheep dip” approach (get in, get out, move on). Change may take weeks, months, or years to be fully realized.
- What Is the REAL Problem You’re Trying To Solve? Hint — if you “start” with looking at changes to the organization chart before you identify the underlying needs of the organization, you are solving personality-related problems, not “real” issues. Ask yourself “why” a few times — kind of like a three-year old might do, or using the “seven levels of why” in Eastern cultures. You’ll probably find yourself getting out of answers quickly if you’re just moving boxes and sticks on the org chart to “make” personalities fit, or just to save $$ by eliminating positions.
- Do You Have Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities? One of the most-often cited problems in the organization with whom I work has to do with people being unclear about their own role, and the roles of others. In my experience, the lack of specificity and clarity here undermines an organization’s ability to succeed with change efforts FAR more often than any resistance any person provides. People don’t resist change — they resist “being” changed. There’s an important difference.
- How Do You Know When Change Is Successful? People and organizations often have “knee-jerk” reactions that cause them to change — without a clear roadmap establishing “you have reached your destination” measurements (like the voice in my GPS — an Australian guy). I know when I’ve made it when I follow the directions in the GPS. Will you?
This list is dynamic! Please post a comment below — sharing your tips related to “getting ready for change…” We’ll add your thoughts to the checklist! Thanks.
