Implement change management successfully with these tips

This post came out from The Straits Times (2 March 2012)
Title - Get the right strategy - Implement change management successfully with these tips

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Questions to ask
2. Define the change
3. Drive it with the right sponsorship
4. Prepare for change at local levels
5. Reinforce behaviours that support the change
6. Communicate

On Questions to ask

• Where do we want to go?
• How ready are we to get started?
• What practical steps do we need to take?
• How do we manage the journey?
• How do we keep moving forward?

On Define the change

• Know and understand down to the last detail what is it to be achieved and how. Every person involved and impacted by the implementation must have the same understanding of why and what is being done. There should be no room for interpretation.

On Drive it with the right sponsorship

• Ensure that the most influential employees jump onto the change bandwagon along with the leader. Being trustworthy and liked, they demonstrate the value and benefit of a leader's change management initiatives. The right people on board will enhance acceptance of the concept and will be catalysts in driving change throughout the organisation.

On Prepare for change at local levels

• Find out who is getting impacted. Manage the people before, during and after the transition of the change. If the plans are not accepted, even the greatest of leaders face failure. Get acceptance by creating channels for employee expression and participation. Engaging all employees is crucial.
• Also, gear up to educate consumers about the impact that this change will bring about in the company, the evolution of products and services if any, their customer experience and also the time-frame that the change is likely to take place.
• Your customers, along with your employees, are your biggest assets. Ensure they are not caught unaware by changes you plan to implement.

On Reinforce behaviours that support the change

• It's about doing the right thing and then making it easy for others to follow. Simplicity is vital for people to adapt a new and unique way of thinking and working.
• Acknowledging efforts to enable change is equally important. Once leaders recognise that employees are aiding change management initiatives, these quickly catch on and get adopted throughout the organisation.

On Communicate

• Leaders must spread the message and its importance right from its inception till the drive for change is complete. It is important for leaders and employees to constantly keep their eye on the ball and not lose sight of the objectives.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big