Three Basic Rules for Effective Change Management

Today's world is changing fast. If you want to run a successful enterprise you have to mould yourself accordingly. Although a lot of research has been done on change management, still a number of companiess find it difficult to bring change smoothly. Following are the guidelines based on lessons learnt from the past, from the well-known scientist Newton.

The first law of motion as described by Newton states that a body at rest will remain at rest and a body in motion will continue its motion in a straight line until an unequal force acts on it. On the same lines you require effective force to push up the process of change in your company. Then you need further force to keep the process going.

The strength and type required to kick off the process may be different from the one which is required in the future to carry on the momentum. There is need to devise different strategies for different phases of change. Sharing your plans with the employees will make them understand the need for change and then they move with you in all the stages. You can convince them by:

• Emerging new competition and reducing market share. • Financial indicators such as stock index, yields and losses. • Poor quality indicators for example lack of commitment. • Customer response through open and hidden surveys, response from the field and focus groups. • Results of employee satisfaction survey.

According to Newton's second law, the degree of change is directly proportional to the amount of force applied and inversely proportional to the mass of the body. Similarly the force that you need to use depends upon the workers’ strength both in number and psyche.

Different tactics that positively effect the workers’ attitudes are:

• Making rewards and incentives an important part of system.

• Informing the workers about their performance.

• Celebrate your achievements.

• Accomplish early gains.

• Gradually introduce the symbols of change.

Finally according to Newton's third law of motion for every action there is equal and opposite reaction. It is very important to understand that change is not always welcomed. There are concerns among the workers which should be dealt tactfully.

If you deal with them by using force and commotion, doubt their sincerity, look down upon them, you will get a similar response and resistance will rise. Alternatively if you are compassionate and give them due respect while listening to their reservations you will get a favorable response. Few tips to gather support are:

• Converse with the all workers and stake holders frequently and give them chance to narrate their view points.

• Talk directly to those who are against change.

• Don't accept any intolerable attitude but try not to hurt the self respect of the employees. Using sarcastic tones and attacking personalities wont help.

• Try to rule the hearts of your workers. It may take years to build confidence but it may take moments to lose it.

Remember a successful change is not possible without the participation of your downlines!

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