Key Strategies for Successful Organizational Change Management

There is a popular saying in the English language, “Change is Inevitable”. This applies to businesses too, it doesn’t matter if your business is miniscule or gigantic, the flow of time will always present adversities and one should adapt rather than give up or resist it. Change is not pleasant most of the times, but it is a necessary course of action that must be taken. The 21^st century has been the most turbulent time in terms of commerce and technological development, and organizational restructuring has gone from a rarity to a common sight. Here are a few strategies one can cope in the face of uncertain organizational restructure.

-Communicate the Why’s and How’s

The first aspect of change is notifying your employees of change. Communicate. The target of change can only be accomplished when the workforce is communicated on the necessity of change and how it will be implemented. Effective communication clears the air on why the change is urgent and provides reason for the mobilization of employees for said change.

The communication has to be two way, not one way. Have clear concise conversations with the affected and address their grievances. This aids the process of change and clarifies the role of the employee. These kinds major changes doesn’t happen overnight. Communication through the entire transition phase is paramount and must not be overlooked.

-Implement Existing Models

Since the concept of change is hard to deal with and is often plagued with errs and uncertainties, like company culture and human psychology. The utilization of proper tools and methodologies becomes a godsend. Change management models act as templates which organizations can implement based on the nature of the change they are undergoing or going to implement. There are models for simple tool changes to departmental-level changes.

The nature of change is erratic. Even the simplest things getting overlooked can result in a ripple effect which hinders productivity. There are various change management models, such as Lewin’s Change Management Model, McKinsey 7-S Model, Nudge Theory and many more. These models aid in looking at the right places instead of going on a wild goose chase.

-Effective Leadership

American author John C Maxwell said “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”. Effective leadership is a necessity if change has to be spearheaded. They are the ones who are supposed to achieve it by any means necessary. They have to see it from start to finish. Keep everyone actively involved and must take decisions when obstacles pop up, choose alternate paths or create new paths. They are the main forces responsible to keep the phase active.

It is crucial that leaders are aware of their role and importance. The reason why lot of organizations fail and are met with inefficiencies is due to poor leadership. This must be ingrained in the initial phases.

-Nip Resistances In The Bud

As stated earlier, change will be met with resistance it is important to identify it in the early stages before it spreads like wildfire. Resistance is highly dangerous, it can be in any form be it withholding information or spreading rumors detrimental to the company. This is one of the reasons why communication is imperative. It allows identifying these setbacks before they set us back permanently.

Create feedback loops with employees and have sessions where they can address their grievances which will help you identify the signs of resistance.

-Celebrate the Milestones

There will be ups and downs in any aspect of life or career. The key to navigating through this is celebrating milestones, so it is imperative to identify milestones being crossed and celebrate them. The gamification of change is a fun factor that can be added to the process of change to make it more enduring and fun. The low times can be utilized to deepen communication to build rapport and trust with fellow employees. It is important to make the most out of any situation and these times will highlight the importance of good leadership.

When said targets are met and a successful transition is carried out. Everyone will feel like they achieved something and would have evolved over a period of uncertainty and will have all the makings to capture greatness.