Effectively Manage Change

Effectively Manage Change

Change management training is important because there have been enormous changes in the way that we shop, how we entertain ourselves, how we spend our leisure time and how we do business.

But for many, this change means a feeling of uncertainty. Most people don't like uncertainty: they say things like "Better the devil you know!"
However: it is important to remember that:

1. If you want things to get better, then you must be willing to accept change.
2. If you want things to get better, then you must be willing to make and implement some tough changes.

All improvement implies "making a change"

Positive Change management

Change management is an acceptance of the fact that the current situation is never static. It is in a constant state of flux.

In order to "live long and prosper", then we must equip ourselves with the ability to accept and implement change.
Maybe we should even be willing to initiate change. (What a concept!)

How does one go about creating a change-friendly attitude?

Create the right attitude by memorising and living in accordance with a simple, five-word formula:

1. Purpose
2. Plan
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Change

We call this the success formula

1. State your purpose (first to survive and then, grow!)
2. Formulate in writing, your best plan,
3. Take decisive action, based on the plan
4. Gather and evaluate the feedback, both the positive and the negative. Discover where the plan isn't working.
5. Make progress by continually changing, according to the negative feedback given at point 4.

Remember that all good progress is made by continually changing: making continuous evolutionary steps towards a stated goal.

Step one of the change management success formula: Set a SMART goal

Ensure your change is not away from something: but towards something - towards a stated affirmative goal.

Set your goal as a positive, affirmative statement. For example not as: "I don't want to be fat" but rather: "I do want to be fit"

S = SPECIFIC:
Define the goal specifically: describe the goal numerically and define each term.

M = MEASURED:
Decide how you will measure the feedback. How will you know whether you are making good progress or not?

A = ACHIEVEABLE:
Name the skills you will need to acquire.

R =REALISTIC:
Identify the constraints that you will have to deal with:

1. Time constraints
2. Financial constraints
3. Physical constraints
4. Legal constraints

T = TIME DRIVEN:
Set a time deadline: What and when are the milestones?

Step two: Build the practical plan of action

When you know all of the above information, gather the team and "Map out the plan".
Use a mind mapping technique to identify the steps.

When you have finished, you should have the steps laid out in the proper time-sequenced order.

Everyone must know what is expected.
Strive to create and sustain a can-do attitude.

A can-do attitude is based upon a belief that you DO possess the collective ability and desire, sufficient to construct a future that is better than either the present or the past."

If the "Successful change formula" is so simple: then how come everyone doesn't do it?

Most people don't know about the five part success formula, and even if they do, then most people don't like:

1. Part one of the success formula: Committing to goals (for fear of not achieving them)
2. Part four of the success formula: Negative feedback, criticism, setbacks and defeats
3. Part five of the success formula: Change (most people don't like change)

How do you go about creating a change-friendly organisation?

Create the right organisational mind-set by teaching everyone in the organisation (especially the managers) how to implement this simple, five-word formula:

1. Purpose
2. Plan
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Change

For more information about change management training visit the Corporate Coach Group website

You or your colleagues might also be interested in our newest Change Management Questionnaire

Definition: success formula

In business change work, the success formula is a process that always: 1) sets a clear purpose, 2) writes a step-by-step plan, 3) turns the plan into fast action, and 4) reads feedback to adjust and keep changing. If any part is missing, the method stops being the success formula.

Article Summary

Change feels tough, yet progress depends on it. State a clear purpose, make a plan, act fast, read feedback and adapt. Follow this five-step formula to set SMART goals and build a team that treats change as everyday progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Change Management

• Is the Change Curve Model Real?
  Learn why the change curve suits grief, not company shifts. Discover better change models and how focused training can almost double project success rates.
  Read Article >
• Technology Accelerates Change
  Technology change is reshaping work and life. Learn three rules to embrace rapid shifts, learn from young talent and keep core values with change management.
  Read Article >
• Effectively manage change
  Master change management with the five-step success formula: set goals, plan action, track feedback, adjust and build a culture that turns risk into progress.
  Read Article >
• What are the Principles of Change Management?
  Learn eight change management principles that give teams clear purpose, smart plans, focused action and feedback loops, turning resistance into progress.
  Read Article >
• Change Should be an Evolution, Not a Revolution
  Learn how evolutionary change over small, steady steps lifts success, eases staff fatigue and doubles results, making change management safer and effective.
  Read Article >

Looking for Change Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Change Management Skills, you may find this Change Management Training Course beneficial:

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In-House Course Available Call us on 020 3856 3037 to discuss your requirements or Read More >