Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

10 Wisdom-Based Wealth-Building Strategies
“It’s the business of your life… and you’re the CEO!” Gala Gorman Imagine that you’re Noah and God is telling you that you need to build the ark. You might suspect that Noah was a bit skeptical. Could it actually rain for such an...

Increase Business by Squashing Your Fear of Phones
Phone skills are very important when you have your own home business. If you are like me, when I started out, then you may think you are going to work entirely online and not use the phone. However, there will come times in your business when...

Ten Tips to a Job Winning Interview
These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it! 1. Investigate the company's culture, markets, and finances. But resist the temptation to show off what you've researched: "I...

The World is Not Enough - Calling for a More Ethical Approach to Personal Finance
At a time when the entire world’s attention is focused on the problems of world debt, with the Live 8 concerts, the G8 summit in Scotland, the Make Poverty History Campaign (MPH) and the various anti-poverty marches, it seems that everyone wants...

What company does your business keep?
Copyright © 2005 Arun Pal Singh A man is known by the company he keeps. We have heard that phrase so many times. Our folks have cautioned us often with that in our silly childhood. Do we heed to that advice in our business? Where do you hang out?...

 
Blueprint for Change

A Blueprint for Change:
Just when things seem working well, you have to do more with less, faster, cheaper and better.

Change can be viewed as either an opportunity or a threat. Unfortunately, most organizations undergo significant change when faced with a crisis, rather than using change as a vehicle for continuous improvement and innovation. Leaders often ignore problems until some of the talented people are leaving, or when absenteeism or complaints and grievances increase.

When an organization doesn’t recognize some of the crisis mode behaviors, there are usually obvious indicators of increased stress and a decline in morale, trust, enthusiasm, and participation. Initial attempts to correct the situation may be a proliferation of task forces and committees, but these generally mask the more serious problems. The organization probably needs an in depth assessment and a sound plan for implementing positive change.

When change is not well planned, an organization can end up in a maintenance or defensive cycle. Most employees view change as a threat and become defensive, reacting with a range of behaviors from yelling and blaming to avoidance and justification.

On the other hand, when change is well planned and implemented, the organization can function in a growth cycle. Individuals shift their attitude to embrace change as an opportunity for innovation and problem-solving. Their behaviors become constructive and productive when leaders articulate a clear and beneficial vision for the change. It is important to acknowledge and process any resistance. Communicate the benefits quickly. And, provide adequate resources to make change successful.

Leaders need to help employees overcome fears. The most common fears are the fear of loss of identity, loss of control, loss of meaning, loss of belonging and loss of a future. These are pretty basic human needs and when any of these are threatened, people will resist and lapse into defensive behavioral patterns.

In Deming’s Fourteen Points for Quality, number eight says: “Drive out fear, so that everyone may work effectively for the company.” Don’t give it lip service, but acknowledge the importance of facing and discussing fears. When management can accept that fear and change usually go hand in hand, the undiscussables can be discussed. Consider using outside facilitators who are very experienced in change management and team building to facilitate this part of the process. Allowing staff to freely express their fears and anxieties in a safe environment is an important step.

After facilitating organizational change for city, state and federal government agencies as well as profit companies, our clients report that the following blueprint for Change is essential in the early stages of undergoing major change.

STEP ONE: ESTABLISHING THE NEED AND THE BENEFITS

Most organizations report that they undergo a thorough organizational assessment to determine what changes are potentially most beneficial. They assess customer satisfaction, internal morale and structure, productivity and efficiency levels. They carefully weigh their options, assessing advantages and the downside. They look to other successful organizations for bench marking. Once they identify the major changes, they carefully assess resources. Who will be the various internal champions for various stages of the change? What money is designated for needed training and implementation? What type of outside experts will be needed to guide the process, train and guide the implementation and evaluation stages? Is there adequate budget?

STEP TWO: LEADERSHIP READINESS

Organizations need to thoroughly prepare their leaders and obtain their commitment up front. It is suggested to hold a few


off-site facilitated meetings where leaders can “get on the same page” and be coached in effective ways to communicate the new direction to employees.

Hold a kick-off celebration management meeting. Top leadership should articulate the clear and exciting vision for change. Map out the process, the timelines, the champions, and the benefits. Review past successes and learnings. What changes have worked well and why? Which have failed and why? Give people ample time to talk about resistance and fear that they may have as well as what they expect from staff.

Provide management with training. Building skills in change management, managing conflict, team building and coaching, is essential. Plan to have management skill building sessions throughout the process.

Many organizations have invested vast amounts of money in new technology and quality or re-engineering programs and report little success. Leadership was not trained or ready. When significant change is implemented, weak management practices surface like wild fire. Invest in your leadership and their people skills. After all, people will either resist and sabotage the change or get on board and be your champions.

STEP THREE: MISSION, VISION, GOAL CLARITY

Research supports that mission-driven organizations are more efficient and productive than rule-driven groups. Reexamine and revise your mission, vision and goals. If management is not well trained in strategic planning, get up to speed and take the planning process down into all levels of the company. Get full participation and buy-in. A well written strategic plan should include clear goals for each step of any major change. Again, as the change preparedness process penetrates throughout the organization, front line staff must be sincerely listened and responded to. Token input and lip service to this process are sure to encourage resistance, sabotage, and low morale.

STEP FOUR: FORMAL COMMUNICATION

The initial formal communication forum is a regular management team meeting throughout the change process. The size of the organization will determine how many teams need to be set up. Consistent meeting management should be adhered to. Again, training or coaching may be desirable. Everyone in the organization should be clear about accepted meeting ground rules and procedures. People will greatly benefit from facilitation training which helps to empower more individuals.

Each department should hold “All hands meetings” at least quarterly. This is an opportunity to keep everyone informed, to celebrate successes, to offer some skill building, and to hold open dialog. No one likes surprises. Ask for lots of group input and demonstrate direct actions and follow-up from this. Some organizations create an internal newsletter which publicizes updates, benchmarks, and successes.
Everyone throughout the organization should have some formal communication link. People need to feel that there is an appropriate place to ask questions, express concerns, and deal with fears and anxieties as they arise. Well planned change has positive benefits for the entire organization.

Marilyn Manning, Ph.D., CMC, CSP, has an organizational consulting, training and speaking business specializing in strategic planning, change and conflict management and team-building.
Call (650)965-3663; M@MManning.com; www.MManning.com; 945 Mountain View Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040. fax 650 965-3668.


About the Author

Marilyn Manning, Ph.D., CMC, CSP, has an organizational consulting, training and speaking business specializing in strategic planning, change and conflict management and team-building.
Call (650)965-3663; M@MManning.com; www.MManning.com; 945 Mountain View Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040. fax 650 965-3668.

 

 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 netiquette new years resolutions

  • 10 tips for a successful job search

  • 10 tips for your appraisal

  • 10 tips to cope with negative emotions at work

  • 10 top tips for networking

  • 10 ways to kick the procrastination habit

  • 10 wisdom based wealth building strategies

  • 11 success tips to home based internet business

  • 13 crucial steps for selling a business

  • 15 ultimate success tips for your internet business

  • 19 ultimate success tips for your online business

  • 20 ways to improve your life

  • 3 traits for success

  • 5 interviewing mistakes that can lead to hiring the wrong person

  • 5 powerful strategies for depressed entrepreneurs

  • 5 successful marketing tips

  • 5 tips for better management of home business

  • 5 tips to start your own successful internet business

  • 6 tips to explode your offline or online business

  • 70 million people will be doing this by the end of 2005

  • 7 stepping stones to career growth and excellence

  • 7 steps to get started making money from on line marketing for newbies only

  • 8 tips for working from home

  • angel investors

  • are you a rhino success requires it

  • are you made to run an internet business

  • are you online to earn money or just to have fun

  • are you playing checkers or chess as a leader

  • are you right for a home based business

  • are you the next internet millionaire

  • are you the worst enemy of your business

  • army ranger reveals how to control corporate stress

  • attitude is almost everything

  • at least 7 success tips for a more profitable 2004 online

  • a beginner to beginners

  • a guide for customer service training tools

  • a leadership program for general contractors

  • a leaders or a jerk

  • a well trained cleaning crew reduces employee turnover

  • back to school tips 21 universal success secrets

  • balance your managerial life

  • balancing your 3 wealth material wealth spiritual wealth emotional wealth

  • barriers to effective planning

  • before they buy what you say 10 steps to selling yourself

  • believe that you can become a millionaire with your internet home business

  • be a success in sixty seconds

  • be your own boss work at home

  • blazing tips to start your own profitable internet home business

  • blazing tips to start your own successful internet business

  • blueprint for change

  • blueprint for leadership how to be a better leader

  • booking events shows

  • book summary the 17 indisputable laws of teamwork

  • building an internet business 5 tips to build a profitable business

  • business etiquette

  • can i be successful in my own home business

  • cash generation tips

  • change and performance training may not be the answer

  • changing careers to obtain the telecommuting lifestyle

  • characteristics of successful entrepreneurs

  • choosing an attitude that serves you

  • choosing a direct sales company

  • communicating effectively in the workplace

  • complete web site optimization for search engines part 1

  • considering the importance of corporate culture

  • consulting a different world

  • corporate manslaughter concentrates the mind of the ceo wonderfully

  • create a positive upbeat can do workforce and dazzle the customer with your caring

  • creating your own employment security

  • customer loyalty

  • customer relationship management

  • dealing with anger

  • dealing with business slowdowns

  • dealing with change and change management

  • dealing with difficult people

  • defining the qualities of a professional

  • delivering fantastic service

  • developing a casino mentality

  • developing the art of leadership

  • develop a we focus and not a me focus

  • difference is value added

  • does your business need an attitude adjustment

  • does your customer service suck

  • does your leadership development secure results

  • dont blame the economic downturn

  • dont confuse a work at home scam with hard work

  • dont discount the temporary position interview

  • dont go for broke

  • dont let the negative people get you down

  • do your own taxes

  • do you have the mindset of a successful business man

  • do you have what it takes

  • do you inspire or incinerate

  • effective or irritating pop window ads in internet marketing

  • effective or irritating the use of pop windows in

  • effective or irritating the use of pop windows in internet marketing

  • effective or irritating the use of pop windows in internet marketing copyright pradeep aggarwal www internet successkey com

  • embrace diversity to build effective teams

  • encouraging behavior that gets results

  • ensure your own success

  • entrepreneurs ask as a novice entrepreneur how do i feel less overwhelmed

  • expanding your view of whats possible with your internet business

  • expect the best and get it

  • factual employment screening part one

  • finally unique futures stock market trading curbs expose fear and perception secrets

  • financial freedom is it only a dream or just steps away

  • financial planning for your future

  • firing someone without resentment

  • first contact the source of customer loyalty

  • five habits of highly effective conflict resolvers

  • five hints for surviving a business slump

  • focus on your strengths

  • four critical success factors for business results

  • four reasons why small businesses succeed or fail

  • gainfully unemployed making the decision to strike out on your own

  • getting pr in your town realities to remember

  • goal setting for entrepreneurs

  • growing your business

  • guaranteed easy ways to gaining financial freedom

  • guidelines for choosing a guru coach or mentor

  • guy talk and the business women

  • heating up cold calls 21 tools for tremendous telephone techniques

  • hire the person not the resume

  • hiring and retaining good employees

  • hiring customer service representatives that are a perfect fit

  • hiring tip picking the best candidates

  • home based business on the internet

  • home based business success and the power of belief

  • home business success 5 things you can you learn from your ex boss

  • how do you get them to buy in to your idea

  • how effectively do you influence

  • how millionaires get to be millionaires

  • how not to let powerpoint kill your presentation

  • how our home based business saved us

  • how positive motivation can affect your online business

  • how the crab effect obstructs growth and how to conquer it

  • how to analyze the performance of your business

  • how to beat the competition with the basics

  • how to be an internet marketing champion

  • how to be successful in small business

  • how to build extreme customer service from the inside out

  • how to choose a corporate gift that hits the spot

  • how to create a stream of income

  • how to distinguish lucrative programs over online scams

  • how to get a standing ovation from your customerssuccessfully managing continuous improvement

  • how to make success a habit

  • how to overcome procrastination

  • how to overcome the obstacles of being new in business

  • how to start survive and finish your journey to super success

  • how to start your home business once and for all this year

  • how to start your own profitable internet business

  • how to stay motivated part 1

  • how to stay positive avoid negative people

  • how to stay positive in a negative world

  • how to use the past future and present in attaining success

  • hurdles to cross cultural business communication

  • if youre self employed remember to take time off

  • if you cant see it they wont do it

  • if you dont have a home based business start one today

  • ignite your business success

  • improvingcustomer service in large stock registrar cmpany

  • improving quality through coaching

  • increase business by squashing your fear of phones

  • index

  • innovation makes leaders

  • internet business are you the next internet millionaire

  • internet business great tips to start your own profitable internet business

  • internet business great tips to start your own profitable internet home business

  • introducing a mystery shopping program employees

  • investing in new zealand learn how to find unique investment opportunities

  • invitation marketing the ultimate traffic magnet

  • in control inside tips on interview success

  • is an internet business for you

  • is an internet business made for you

  • is a home business right for you

  • is drug screening too costly to do or do without one company has the answer

  • is your workplace suffering from contagious stress

  • its all about beliefs

  • its still about customer service

  • keeping the flame alive

  • keys to ensuring a successful business

  • know the building blocks of dialogue that lead to new learning innovation and synergy

  • know what matters most about pr

  • leadership development leadership styles and training

  • leadership development turn on your employees

  • leadership lessons for sales managers

  • leading bad actors to be good performers

  • leading with emotional intelligence

  • lessons learned from the downfall of dot coms

  • making the most of your year

  • management wants faster implementation of new organizational strategy part iii

  • managing your department during a coprporate crisis

  • managing your home based online business 7

  • matchmaker matchmaker make me a match how to choose the right business for you

  • matchmaker matchmaker make me a match how to chose the right business for you

  • maximizing the time of your life

  • mm4m manifesting millionaires

  • motorsports marketing sponsorship

  • narcissism in the boardroom

  • narcissism in the boardroom part i

  • need a sales boost try these

  • negotiating rates with your credit card company

  • negotiating real estate deals to win win

  • networking is like playing the piano

  • network marketing tips

  • nine steps to stabilize your business during the war of the new millennium

  • once upon a conflict

  • organized for success five keys for making home work work

  • organized to be your best a book summary

  • outsourcing spawning of indias jumpstartup firms

  • overcoming procrastination

  • part 2 of 5 how pipe dreams can become

  • part 2 of 5 how pipe dreams can become realities

  • performance management is not difficult

  • perspective is everything

  • plork creative laziness part 2

  • poor call centre performances driving motorists to go online for insurance

  • positive mental attitude pma

  • pricing your consulting services

  • professional net worth

  • proper behavior of a forex trader

  • pull an elastic band too far it snaps

  • recognizing generations

  • remember the 7 words of success

  • residual income awaits only by staying in the game

  • resolving workplace conflict 4 ways to a win win solution

  • revenge of the sith creativity and structure

  • rotator

  • salesmanship can be learned

  • sales techniques for artists crafters and small merchants

  • secrets of donald trump revealed

  • selling for beginners

  • sell your love

  • several dos and donts for starting a virtual assisting business

  • six figure professionals their seven secrets

  • six management tips for trying economic times part 1

  • six sigma

  • six sigma as a way to develop people

  • small home business ways to increase sales without money

  • something from nothing with something to share

  • spruce your environment spruce your spirit

  • squashing the procrastination demon

  • starting your business 3 tips for bootstrapping your way to the top

  • steps to success

  • stop sickies and make people happy at work

  • strategies of successful market offers

  • strengthen skills in time management

  • strengths of k professional

  • successful entrepreneurs

  • successful internet business start up 5 tips to buil a profitable business

  • success in business

  • taking responsibility a step toward progressive leadership

  • teaching students to keep out of credit card debt the parents role

  • techno marketing

  • teens 5 ways to make sure you get rich

  • telephone courtesy goes a long way

  • tension stress or creative tension new breakthroughs in personal productivity

  • ten commandments of proper e mailing

  • ten reasons why most people do not achieve financial success

  • ten tips to a job winning interview

  • the 11 best money saving ideas of all time part 2

  • the 11 best money saving ideas of all time part 3

  • the 7 best kept secrets to ultimately achieve success in your life and your home business

  • the 7 principles of business integrity

  • the business of speaking everyone has something to share

  • the center of your internet business you

  • the challenges of human resource management

  • the changing shape of family finances

  • the first 60 minutes of your day

  • the five ingredients for success no matter what business youre in

  • the importance of followers

  • the internet marketers love hate relationship with pop windows

  • the key ingredients for internet success

  • the key to high productivity is energy management

  • the little corporation who cried wolf part 2

  • the minefield to online success

  • the new staffing survival tactics that work

  • the philosopy of achievement

  • the reasons for financial failure

  • the seven best ways for salespeople and entrepreneurs to build awesome customer relationships

  • the seven deadly sins of management

  • the top 10 ways to improve your leadership skills

  • the top ten ebay buyer personalities

  • the true emergence of the purpose shopper

  • the world is not enough calling for a more ethical approach to personal finance

  • things do not change we do

  • time is of essence when managed

  • time management avoiding negative

  • time management progressed

  • tips for curing bad customer service

  • tips for getting your first credit card

  • tips to start your own profitable internet business

  • top 7 reasons why women business leaders are needed

  • top 7 ways to succeed in the business of speaking

  • top tips and advantages to start your internet home business

  • tortoise or hare get rich slow or fast

  • to be an effective leader do a check up from the neck up

  • to meet or not to meetwhat are the questions

  • transition to leadership training

  • truth or consequences how to give employee feedback

  • twitch speed reaching younger workers who think differently

  • universal success secrets

  • universal success secrets shared

  • we are exactly where we choose to be

  • what an emotional intelligence program can do for your organization in 2004

  • what bowling and success have in common

  • what company does your business keep

  • what i would include in a coaching book

  • when it pays to use incentive programs

  • when managers play the pr card

  • why employee satisfaction surveys and employee exit surveys make good sense

  • why is market research important

  • why many people fail to succeed

  • why things are the way they are

  • why work from home

  • why would anyone consider network marketing

  • why your business could fail and how to prevent it from happening

  • winning the game of retirement

  • work from home and make thousands is it for real

  • woud you like to start a profitable internet home business

  • your attitude to home based business

  • your internet business power system combining minisites content sites