5 Reasons to Thrive and Not Just Survive your Change-Management Strategy

You can wait to deal with change until after it happens.

Many organizations unconsciously take this route by not having a change-management strategy in place.

But is this the best tactic for success?

The short answer is “No!”

You and your team or department will face change; there’s no question.

The truth is that organizations that have a strategy for dealing with it in place before changes hit are the ones who deal with it more seamlessly, with a lot less stress and chaos.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of having a change-management strategy in place so that you’re ready for whatever comes. 

A change-management strategy ensures your team navigates often dicey waters with ease. #improvtips 

1. Minimize resistance

Some people on your team will have a hard time embracing new processes and fresh ideas.

When a major change invades the sanctity of their neat little work-world, they’re flustered.

You can let them know ahead of time what the procedure will be for managing change and help them to be more open and flexible.

2. Increase engagement

You want each member of your team to be wholly invested in the mission of your organization.

When you give them the tools to navigate change, they take ownership of their part in the process.

A strategy that’s in place ahead of time will give your team the opportunity to confidently engage throughout the changes and what will follow.

3. Improve performance

When each member of your team is engaged, the quality of the work they’re putting out increases.

Once they’re fully invested in what’s happening, they care about the outcome.

They want to succeed and for their efforts to be worthwhile.

A change-management strategy provides the right kind of swim lanes so that the team can flourish.

4. Enhance innovation

Being open to change is the pathway to new and innovative ideas.

It may take some time for everyone on your team to wrap their minds around the positives of change, but once they do, the creativity will begin to flow.

Encourage each person to push through the initial apprehension with the promise that the results will be well worth their efforts.

5. Reduce costs

Time is money.

You can make sure everyone already knows what their roles and duties are when change is on the horizon so there’s no time lost to spinning in circles, trying to figure everything out.

Each person can more seamlessly shift into their new or different responsibilities without a hitch.

When you don’t have a plan, a lot of time can be wasted on seeking clarity and solutions that could otherwise have already been in place.

Conclusion

It’s inevitable. Every organization faces change. It can seem almost constant at times.

How you prepare your team and guide them through the changes will determine how you come out on the other side.

A good change-management strategy is a crucial component of the success of your whole organization.

Once you have your strategy in place, you’ll notice less resistance to new ideas and increased engagement among your team members.

Creativity will flow, the innovative ideas will flourish and  you’ll save time – which is great for your bottom line.

Do change management the right way and enjoy the benefits of a team that works together like a well-oiled machine.

How has your change management strategy been working out for you?

Take some time with each member of your team and evaluate their readiness for managing change.


This article is 100% written by a human named Karen Hough. She is the Founder & CEO of ImprovEdge, in the top 4% of women-owned businesses in the US, a 3-time Amazon bestselling author, Yale grad, wife and mom of three.