Change—it’s a word that for some evokes feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. For others, it means a new adventure, an improvement, or a chance to discover something “new and improved.” No matter how we respond to change, in today’s world of work and life, it’s ubiquitous and has no end in sight.
Here’s what some other ‘noteworthy’ folks have said about change:
“Our only security is our ability to change.” (John Lilly)
“Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.” (Bertold Brecht)
“Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.” (Robert C. Gallagher)
And from the ancient Greek Philosopher, Heraclitus,
“Nothing endures except change”
Well, if you are contemplating change or currently experiencing it, particularly in your workplace, here are five steps to consider that may help make that process more successful.
Consider the Context
Dream the Doable
Cultivate the Culture
Move the Mole Hills
Look for Leaks
CONSIDER THE CONTEXT
One of the most important steps in the change process is to find out what is going on, both inside and outside of your organization, understanding what may be precipitating the need for change. To understand this ‘context,’ research is necessary. It’s similar to a doctor’s diagnosis. Before treatment (or change) can begin, the cause must first be understood.
DREAM THE DOABLE
Envisioning change is great. Imaging a sense of what the future can be creates energy and commitment among those who will initiate and carry out the changes necessary to reach that desired state. However, that vision of the future must be grounded in some understanding of what can be realistically achieved. A dream of the future that is “too big” will frustrate those whose efforts, no matter how well planned and executed, can never reach such lofty and idealistic goals.
CULTIVATE THE CULTURE
Culture is that part of an organization that expresses itself in the values, norms, attitudes, and behaviors among those who are members of such a group. Culture is reflected in the statement: “It’s the way we do business around here.” Is the culture of the organization “change friendly” or “change resistant?” As a general rule, change friendly organizations have a much better chance of success that those who are change resistant. Maintaining a culture friendly organization is a matter of cultural cultivation—helping those values, norms, attitudes, and behaviors stay alive and vibrant—ones that will sustain the change.
MOVE THE MOLE HILLS
Those pesky mole hills. They are the bane of well-manicured lawns and their owners. They’re not huge mountains, just little mounds. And to get rid of the mole hills requires diligence not only in detecting them before they get out of hand, but also getting rid of their makers. During periods of organizational change, it’s the detection and removal of mole hills, things like pockets of resistance, unforeseen challenges, and breakdowns in the process, which are important—unlike mountains that are plainly visible and easy to detect.
LOOK FOR LEAKS
The best laid plans of mice and men (and women)…. No matter how well each of the four preceding steps is accounted for, monitoring the outcomes of the change initiative is essential. Have we carried out the change according to design? Did the change produce the intended results? Do we continue to see the same results? The plumber who has designed the layout of all the water pipes for a new home and then installs them according to the plan isn’t finished until the water is turned on and a thorough inspection reveals no leaks. Change requires the same thing. And if found, the leaks must be repaired.
