09/05/2023

Practical Tips for Successfully Managing Organizational Change

First, you must define your short- and long-term goals

Many business owners have to face the prospect of organizational change at some point. Whether it’s due to a shift in the marketplace, new technologies, or simply the necessity of shaking things up and staying competitive, organizational change can be challenging (to say the least). But with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to serve your customers better and improve your business on all fronts. Today, the Ohio Society of Association Professionals (OSAP) shares some tips for managing organizational change successfully.

Evaluate Your Leadership Skills

Being an effective leader is one of the most important factors in successfully managing organizational change. This means being able to motivate and inspire your team and make tough decisions when necessary. Take time to reflect on how well you’re leading your team, and be honest with yourself about how you can improve.

One essential quality of an impactful leader is the ability to think outside the box and approach problems from a unique perspective. And once you’ve thought of one or more solutions to the problem, you must be able to communicate your ideas and compel your team to action. Commit to learning how to become a better leader in all areas, and it will naturally help you guide your team through organizational change more effectively.

Devise a Strategy for Change

The first step to any organizational change is to devise an intelligent, realistic strategy for the change, explained Invensis Learning. This involves taking a close look at your business and determining what needs to change and why. You may find these answers through a variety of means, from employee feedback to production numbers and data analytics. It can be frustrating to see areas of your business that are lacking, but being honest about these weaknesses is what will allow you to change them for the better.

Once you’ve identified ways in which you can change, then you must define your short- and long-term goals. It’s important that you also ensure they align with your company’s overarching mission, and that they are realistic. Sometimes leaders are so focused on the big picture long-term goals that they skip over the short-term ones. Don’t let that happen to you and your plan. With a realistic process in place, you’ll be in a much better position to execute a change successfully.

Consider Automation for Continued Success

Setting up your business for success can be challenging, but with the help of a CoE manager, automating processes can become a breeze. A CoE manager can provide guidance on how to effectively implement automation techniques to maximize your productivity. With their expertise, you can streamline your business operations, reduce errors and costs, and ultimately increase your profits. By using a CoE manager, you can unlock the full potential of your business, so don't hesitate to seek their assistance.

Communicate the Change to Your Team

Once you have a change management plan, it’s essential to articulate it effectively to your team members and stakeholders. You must be clear about what is changing and why. And it’s important that you provide all of your employees with the necessary information and support to make the transition go smoothly. If you make changes without implementing support structures, people will get frustrated and begin to resent the changes.

Although it can be hard to hear criticism about your new plan, BetterUp points out that it is vital that you give employees a platform to offer feedback and ask questions. That way, they’ll feel involved in the process, and you’ll have more diverse perspectives to work with. And if you see that a problem begins to repeatedly emerge, then you can get ahead of it by creating workable solutions for your team. 

Train and Support Your Team

A significant part of successfully executing organizational change is providing employees with the necessary training and support throughout the process. This means giving them the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively as they transition—and being available to answer questions and provide guidance when needed. Most importantly, it involves showing employees that you’re committed to helping them succeed during times of change (and the challenges that will follow).

Navigating Employee Resistance and Other Obstacles

Every organization faces obstacles during periods of change, and how you navigate those obstacles can make all the difference between success and failure. Paycore explains that employee resistance is perhaps the biggest roadblock you’ll encounter, and you must have a plan for dealing with it if it arises. For example, perhaps you could tailor your presentation to highlight the positive aspects of the change, such as how it will streamline your team members’ workflows or add more purpose to their daily tasks. You can also highlight the ways you will receive and respond to employee feedback in order to reduce anxiety about the changes.

Other hindrances might include financial constraints or changes in the marketplace that are out of your control. You can be honest about these potential challenges and express your desire to work with your team to find adequate solutions. Whatever challenges you face, remember that effective leaders are resilient and adaptable. And as a leader with these qualities, they will help you to overcome any obstacle standing in your way to success.

Support Your Team During These Changes

Organizational change can be challenging, but it can also serve as a platform for improving your business. By assessing your leadership skills, developing a sound strategy, articulating the change to your team members, using a CoE manager and following the other provided tips, you can set your business up for success during the transitional period ahead. And above all, remember to remain resilient in the face of adversity!

The Ohio Society of Association Professionals (OSAP) is a leading resource of specialized learning experiences for industry professionals, building and nurturing relationships that often last a career and span a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more at (614) 824-4054. This article was crafted by Dean Burgess, on behalf of OSAP.