Ten Tips for Managing Change Successfully

All managers will face some resistance when it comes to change. How you deal with managing change will factor in when it comes to acceptance of change. Here are the top ten change management tips to help ensure your change management methods flow smoothly:

1. Expect Resistance – Don’t be fooled into thinking everyone will accept the change. Whether it’s changes in management, personnel, or processes, some people will resist. Understand upfront that change often brings insecurity and find ways to deal with that insecurity.

2. Change the Thinking – Turn naysayers around by changing how they interpret the change. If the change is a process, show them and tell them why the process is better or improved. If the change is management, discuss ways a different management structure may benefit everyone. If the change is a personnel change, be honest and open about the changes and why they were needed.

3. Take It Slow – Not everyone will be able to adapt to the change on the same level or at the same time. Identify the slow-to-change team members and offer them help or assistance in understanding the need for the change.

4. Expect Slowdowns – With change brings new things so expect some slowdowns within your workforce. They will need time to adjust and learn about the change in order to adapt to the change.

5. Create a Timeline – When you first discuss the change, give your team a fair timeline to adjust to the change. Never expect your team or individuals to change overnight or you’ll be unsuccessful.

6. Ask for Input – Any change that affects individuals should allow them a chance to discuss and give input on the change. Even if some of the input won’t work, you will be more successful at changing if you give them a chance to offer their input initially.

7. Change Ideas – If the change will affect standardization techniques at your organization, explain how the new changes will enhance, not hurt your team’s working techniques.

8. Keep Some of the Old – Keep in mind that some of your staff may have been performing tasks the same way for quite some time. You can still implement change and keep a little of the old as long as it doesn’t affect project outcomes or present a risk.

9. Be Supportive – When things change at a work environment, employees and staff will look to their managers to support them. Change may frighten them or sway them from following along. Be supportive and listen to your staff.

10. Change Your Change Management Methodology – Review your change management methodology and skills. Will current methods help the change flow smoothly? If not, reorganize and change yourself before you expect to change others.

By using these change management tips, you can make managing change a success. Keep your project and teams running smoothly by being a good listener, manager, and try a little change yourself.