Become a Master of Making Change
More than 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “Change is the only constant.” The world we now live in has certainly proved him right. Change just may be the most powerful influence in the business world today. Just consider some of the changes we will encounter in the next decade: • Almost half of all current knowledge will become obsolete. • The pace of change will continue to accelerate. • Entire industries will disappear. • Organizations will continue to restructure to meet the changing demands of the marketplace. • The lifespan of new products and new technologies will get shorter and shorter.
Whether we like it or not, we work in a world of continuous change. Today’s workplace has been described as “permanent white water.” Most organizations can no longer offer lifetime, long- term, or even secure employment. There is only one solution: If we are to successfully lead team members and our company to success, we must become masters of change and innovation.
Overcome Fear of Change
The only thing that never changes is the fact that everything constantly changes. Change is the natural state of all life. You cannot escape it. If nothing changed, leadership would be a simple process of developing smoothly working procedures and then sitting back to watch them operate. But since it is inevitable, every executive faces the challenge of dealing with change. Many people fear change and attempt to hang on to the status quo. The first task in leading change is to help team members overcome their underlying fear of change. Four basic processes can help you overcome the fear of change:
- Clear organizational goals – People fear change because its consequences are unknown. The present is familiar and comfortable. People know they can survive. But the prospect of succeeding in different, undefined circumstances is frightening. An organizational goals program defines the changes to be made, the direction they will take the organization, and the actions each person must take. Clear goals with specific individual responsibilities turn the threat of change into a challenge.
- Personal development – A part of the leader’s own business goals should be a plan for leading team members to set personal goals. Involve your team members in personal development, and they quickly realize that the best way to achieve their personal goals is to succeed in their work. An environment in which everyone is growing is a vital, exciting one. When team members grow personally, their positive attitudes and their enthusiasm and excitement about their work is contagious. They support one another — and you, too.
- Team involvement – Involve team members in the entire process of planning, tracking results, and providing feedback. People who know that they are part of the process feel a sense of ownership and commitment to the overall success of the organization. Involving them also gives you the benefit of their creativity, their insight into problems, and their intimate knowledge of the day-to-day mechanics of the organization. Participation in creating change eliminates the threat of change.
- Safe learning environment – Could you walk along a narrow plank on the ground without fear of falling off? Would you feel just as confident if that plank were 20 meters above the ground? Team members who face change feel that they are walking a narrow plank high in the air. They are not sure whether they can stay on. Rather than risk failure, they choose not to attempt new behaviors. When you ask people to change, plan some provision for handling failed attempts, unexpected obstacles, or roadblocks. Safety nets can take many forms: additional reports and feedback, frequent problem-solving meetings by the entire team, or increased involvement by the top executive. New ideas and innovations can only happen if mistakes and failed attempts are not just tolerated, but actually encouraged. Thomas Watson Sr., the founder of IBM said, “If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.” A safe learning environment is one based on encouragement and support rather than punishment.
Reprinted with permission === Strategic Essentials is a Managing Partner for Leadership Management® International, Inc.
For more information about Strategic Essentials small business training and education programs or our coaching and consultation services please call our Reno office at 775.826.8282 today!
Strategic Essentials serves business owners, business leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, supervisors and decision makers in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City, Tahoe, Truckee Meadows and surrounding communities.
LMI JOURNAL, VOLUME IV, NUMBER 11 Leadership Management® InstituteReprinted with permission === Strategic Essentials is a Managing Partner for Leadership Management® International, Inc.
For more information about Strategic Essentials small business training and education programs or our coaching and consultation services please call our Reno office at 775.826.8282 today!
Strategic Essentials serves business owners, business leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, supervisors and decision makers in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City, Tahoe, Truckee Meadows and surrounding communities.
