How to Effectively and Efficiently Implement Changes

Leaders have many ways to manage change, but some of the most effective change management strategies include planning, transparency and honesty, communication, and employee participation. A change management plan can help ensure a smooth transition and that employees follow the process. Unfortunately, approximately 70 percent of change initiatives fail due to negative employee attitudes and unproductive management behavior. To increase the chances of success, leaders should consider using the services of a professional change management consultant.

If change is managed incorrectly, it can lead to a loss of productivity and poor employee performance. Gartner indicates that only 34 percent of all organizational change initiatives are considered “obvious successes”, while 50 percent are considered “obvious failures”. Another 16 percent showed “mixed results”. The vast majority of successful initiatives follow the steps of the change management process.

Leaders should proactively engage employees and ensure that communication is clear, coherent and transparent. A structure should be established to measure the business impact of changes and ensure that there are opportunities for continuous reinforcement to develop competencies. It's important to review the effect on each business unit and how it cascades across the organizational structure to the individual.

Evaluating Change Management Plans

Leaders should also evaluate their change management plan to determine its effectiveness and document lessons learned. This is their documented strategy for implementing the change, and they must identify where it starts, the steps they will take to reach their destination, and how they will know that they have succeeded in facilitating the change.

Whether they want to implement new technologies, update business processes, improve customer service, or carry out a digital transformation, a coherent change management process can help facilitate change and ease the transition for their organization.

Communication Strategies

At the lowest points, leaders can re-establish communication strategies to listen to employee opinions and build trust and support. Effective communication about change management provides clarity about why change is needed and mobilizes employees with a sense of urgency for change. Defining why a change is needed and what you're looking to improve can help create a solid foundation for successful implementation. This means that workplace processes, systems and strategies must continuously change and evolve in order for an organization to remain competitive.

Types of Organizational Changes

Determine the most effective means of communication for the group or person who will join them.

Here's a look at different types of organizational changes, along with some tips you can use to manage the change management process more effectively.