Prepare your organization for change!

Humans are creatures of habit by nature. This makes sense, as predictability once significantly increased our chances of survival. You knew what to expect and could anticipate it. But evolution exists for a reason: you must be able to adapt to new circumstances every time. If we hadn't done that, we would still be walking around in bearskins, or perhaps we would have gone extinct.

Standing still is the same as moving backward. That was true in the Stone Age, and it is just as true in 2021. Fortunately, we all have one or more go-getters in our organizations. People who are bursting with a desire for innovation, who are always at the forefront of the latest developments, and who aren't afraid to fall flat on their faces occasionally. They simply get back up, learn from their mistakes, and a little later, they come back fresh and ready with another, even better idea.

How to drive change in your organization

These types of people are invaluable to a company. They keep the organization sharp, introduce new techniques, and are always one step ahead of the competition. But not everyone is cut from the same cloth. What do you do with colleagues who are a bit more conservative?

People who prefer to wait and see how things play out, and (to stick with the animal kingdom metaphor) see nothing but obstacles when a new system or procedure needs to be introduced?

They ensure that the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, providing good risk management, so this category of employees should also be cherished. Provided they get moving in time and keep up with innovation.

It’s all about your people

In reality, when implementing any business change (whether it's automation or a relocation), only 20% is about material matters like technology, furniture, or location. The success of an implementation in a company depends a staggering 80% on the mindset of the employees.

Do they embrace the change, or do they fearfully cling to the past and block the path to progress?

If you want to keep your company up to date, it definitely pays to invest in good change management. We have a few tips for you!

Tip 1: Don't be too ambitious

‍Don't expect to flip the switch all at once; be realistic. The road to lasting change is usually not a sprint, but rather a marathon. In most cases, that's perfectly fine, and a little delay is not the end of the world.

So, take the time and space where you can. This gives you the opportunity to spread investments over a longer term and allows employees time to get used to a new way of working.

There is another advantage to a step-by-step approach. If there are any teething problems with the change, you can address them gradually before moving on to the next step.

Tip 2: Appoint a change manager

‍Change is almost never a straight line. It is usually a complex process with many bumps along the way. Therefore, put a change manager at the helm to monitor and drive the project. Be careful in your choice, though; not everyone is cut out for that role.

A good change manager can communicate effectively across different levels, knows how things work, and isn't easily deterred by the (almost inevitable) resistance.

Don't have a suitable candidate internally for this important role? Then it might be useful to appoint an external change manager.

Tip 3: Involve as many stakeholders as possible in the process

‍Avoid hitting your employees with a (often major) change like a tsunami. Such a surprise attack can not only cause people to freeze and immediately resist, but you also miss out on valuable input for your project. It is smart to get all stakeholders to the table as early as possible in the change process.

This multidisciplinary approach helps you gain key ambassadors for the change within the organization. Furthermore, all these disciplines provide fresh insights, allowing an issue to be examined from various angles beforehand and often resolved almost unnoticed. This prevents a lot of repair work later on!

Tip 4. Dare to make tough decisions

‍When rolling out your change project, don't just rely on the wealth of internal and external expertise at the start. Consult data and events within your company and beyond throughout the process. The world can sometimes look very different unexpectedly; just think back to 2020.

Keep an eye on market developments, monitor financial figures, and track trends. If, despite your thorough preparation at the start of your project, you find yourself overtaken by reality, have the courage to adjust your plans rather than sticking to the original plan at all costs.

Effective change management is an organic, flexible process!

Tip 5. Communication

‍The magic wand for a successful change process: good communication. Inform employees and suppliers clearly and in a timely manner about upcoming changes. Put yourself in the shoes of those reading or hearing your message. What will they actually notice? What are the consequences for their daily lives?

Use a good mix of channels to share information. Alternate between email, intranet, and information meetings, ensuring the content is well-aligned. And, of course, tailor your language to the target audience you want to reach.

Need ideas?

‍Change management can be effectively supported by various online solutions. Try conducting a survey among employees or customers, or set up a platform to collect information about your project.

Create smart links between different internal and external data sources so you always have up-to-date information at your disposal and can adjust in time. In short: there are many possibilities!

Want more ideas? Feel free to contact us; we’d love to brainstorm with you!