Preparing for Change
Innovation, evolution, transformation, reorganization; the best
way to handle major transitions is with preparation. As a business consultant, I have
frequently been called upon to act as a project manager, overseeing the transition from
one business system to another. In managing these projects, I have found two elements
relating to preparation that help to ensure success.
Vision
If we don't know where we are going, how are we ever going to
know when we get there? Clear goals and a vision of where you are headed are critical in
project management as well as in any other change. A clearly defined vision provides us
with a "destination," and the desire to reach it. It keeps us focused and helps
to prevent us from getting off track.
The people involved in implementing a change are your transition
team. Include them in creating the vision. When preparing for change, figure out who that
change will affect, then ask them what end results they would like to see. Listening and
understanding the individual visions of everyone affected helps to clarify the final
product. Involving everyone provides the individual with ownership. It is also an
excellent way to discover any resistance. Remember Cindy's rule of planning: The person
you leave out of the process is the one who will sabotage it.
When you have a clear sense of where you are going and are
prepared to present it to everyone involved, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Plan of Action
For a successful transition we need a clear plan of action; the
road map for reaching our destination. Develop that plan as best you can, considering the
feedback and suggestions you received in the vision stage. Try to anticipate potential
problems and address them ahead of time. If team members need outside training in order to
be effective in their new roles, address that in your plan.
Share the vision and the plan with everyone involved, addressing
all concerns. Listen to feedback and make additional changes as necessary. Create a time
line and outline priorities, making sure each member of your transition team understands
their role explicitly.
Success
Increase your chances of success with preparation. Identify your
team and involve them from the very beginning. Clarify your destination and decide how you
are going to get there. Identify the hazards before you begin the journey and you will
arrive in one piece.
© Copyright Cindy Ventrice, 1999
Cindy Ventrice of Potential Unlimited Seminars has been a
consultant/trainer since 1984. She is the author of Make Their Day!
Employee Recognition That Works and an expert in helping organizations
improve workplace morale and productivity.
email: CVentrice@potential-unltd.com
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