Implementing Change
It's not easy implementing
Change when our natural response is to resist it. The secret must lie in understanding
everything about the change and how people will react to it.
Will it destroy a way of life? Or just disrupt a sense of comfort? Will it threaten
jobs? Will it be perceived as threatening Jobs?
If you can answer these questions, then finding the lever to move the change forward
becomes easier.
The following are questions and suggestions of strategies and tactics to follow
when implementing change. Good luck on your project!
Phase
I - Understand the Change
- What/Who
is the Foreign Element?
- What
happens if we don't Change?
- Who
will be affected by the Change?
- When
will the Change take place?
- Why
now?
- How
will the Change affect us?
Phase
II - Establish Rapport
- Don't
have all the answers
- Support
empowerment don't ask for 'Buy in' seek out their 'Vision'
- Identify
Influence leaders, Early Adapters & Resistors
- Change
thinking: 'Change Agent...' vs. 'Inflictor of Change'
Phase
III - Understand Status Quo
- How
long did it take to establish?
- What
investment/sacrifice did people make to achieve it?
- How
many people subscribe to it?
- What
Values does it encompass?
- What
Mythologies support it?
- Who
are the Heroes & Heroines?
Phase
IV - Create Desire to Change
- What
Problems exist in Status Quo?
- What
are the alternatives?
- What
are personal Benefits to Changing?
- What
problems does Change Solve?
- What
opportunities would Change Create?
- What
will NOT Change?
Phase
V - Transform Desire into Action
- What
is their Vision of the Future?
- What
solutions can they suggest?
- What
can they do to achieve it?
- What
commitment will they put in?
- What
do they need from you?
- When
will their 'Transition Plan' be ready?
Phase
VI - Reinforce Changed Behaviours
- Reward
All Successes
- Reward
All attempts... and failures
- Reward
all questions
- Pay
attention to people who resist!
- Don't
ignore those in Denial
Phase
VII - Create Closure
- Celebrate
Achievements
- Hold
a Good-bye party for the passing of a Status Quo
- Find
a reason to compliment any and all progress
- Birthday
parties say good-bye to last year as much as welcome to the new
- Funerals
are for the living...