13 Apr
Change Management Success

Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
–John C. Maxwell

 

Mastering Change Management: Overcoming Resistance for Organizational Growth

Do you agree that change is inevitable? That without change we (and our organizations) will become stale, and growth will be stifled?

Most people won’t disagree that change must occur, yet it’s human nature to resist it. Dr. Britt Andreatta shares that we are “biologically wired to resist change“. Why is that?  

Change causes disruptions to what we know, and often the change is not a choice, rather it’s a mandate that may not be viewed as desirable, which prevents buy-in.

In Dr. Andreatti’s book, WIRED TO RESIST, she shares the 5 types of change encountered in the workplace:

1.    Strategic – how the organization will fulfill its mission
2.    Structural – the organization’s internal set-up
3.    Process – how the organization maximizes productivity and workflow
4.    Talent – maximizing employee skill and performance
5.    Cultural – shifting attitudes, values, and behaviors

She also shares 4 key factors that influence success rates: Disruption, Acclimation, Choice, Desire. As leaders it’s beneficial to assess the amount of disruption and the time required for acclimation. Each change can be categorized as follows:

  • ORANGE – A lot of effort but over quickly
  • GREEN – Little effort and over quickly
  • YELLOW – Little effort over a long period
  • RED – A lot of effort over a long period

Taking the time to assess the level of disruption for each change will help with how quickly you can expect to obtain buy-in. As leaders we need to communicate and manage what is changing, and why.

Poorly communicated change will add to the resistance. Recognize and address the difficulties that are being faced and share how each change can be supported by our organization, and at the individual level.

As leaders we also need to acknowledge and manage the emotions of the change curve (shock, denial, anger and fear) before we can expect acceptance and commitment.

Change is inevitable. Do you have stories to share about how you have helped lead through change?

Sincerely,

Mike and Jan

Change is inevitable. Change is constant.

–Benjamin Disraeli

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