Effectively Manage Change

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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

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

• Why Won't People Accept Change?
  Why won't people accept change, even when they can see that what they are doing does not bring them what they want?
  Read Article >
• Why do people hate change?
  Humans find change difficult. Fundamentally, we are creatures of habit. We operate according to habits which we repeat every day and we find it difficult to change our habits, even our bad habits.
  Read Article >
• How to Manage Rapid Change
  In a rapidly evolving society, managers must acknowledge and adapt to technological, political, and social changes. Embracing change is crucial for improvement, and refusing to adapt carries consequences, so change management is a vital skill.
  Read Article >
• What are the Principles of Change Management?
  The eight principles of change management are a useful framework for understanding how to manage change effectively. By applying these principles, organisations can make progress towards their goals.
  Read Article >
• Is the Change Curve Model Real?
  The Change Curve model was developed decades ago, to explain the grieving process. Is it appropriate to use it to describe organisational change or are there better models?
  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:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

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