5 Ways to Better Lead Organizational Change

We Need to Better Lead Organizational Change
In today’s business environment, avoiding change is not an option  — change is inevitable.  There is no “magical” solution to business problems.  It takes courage to face the challenge of change, to reverse course, or to accept a new way of operating.  And, to succeed, we all need to better lead organizational change.

What We Can Do
First you need to accept the principle of change.  Change will happen by design or by default.  You can try to resist change, fear change, doubt change, and be angry at change but then you cede control over it. Change management consulting experts know that you need to move past these emotions and get on with dealing positively and effectively with your ability to better lead organizational change.

Five Ways to Better Lead Organizational Change
To better lead organizational change in five areas:

1. Manage Your Beliefs
   You are what you think you are. If you believe you are good with numbers, for example, you can be good at numbers.  Shape your own reaction to change by believing you can handle it.  Convert your negative beliefs about change to an optimistic belief that will support your effectiveness at leading change well.
2. Be Open-minded
   Adopt the view that change can be good, or at the very least can lead you to something better. Losing turf or influence can be devastating, but it can also open doors to new and better opportunities.  Keep focused on what you can learn from change and think more of abundance than scarcity.

   If you are open to the new and different visions of change, you are open to the possibilities that change can bring.

3. Control What You Can
   You can’t control how others react to change, but you can set an example for your employees. Watch your language!  In this case, we mean being thoughtful of the words you use.  Toss out the negative words like “difficult,” “impossible,” and “worst situation ever.”

   Instead, shift your victim mentality to thinking about how the changes can be good for you and for the company.

4. Charter a Change Team
   Change does not affect only you but also those around you. Don’t try to work on your own.  First, marshal the energy, commitment, and cooperation of change leaders.  Then identify change champions, colleagues and friends to face the change as a team.  How can you help each other to deal with the challenge?

   Work on coping strategies and on solutions together.  This will give you support and a much broader view of how to meet change successfully head-on.

5. Take Action
   Once you’ve devised a plan for change, give it a try. You can always shift gears or tweak your response.  There is nothing to be gained by delay and everything to lose as the change itself gains influence over you instead of the other way around.

The Bottom Line
Change simply IS, but your reaction to it is under your control.  Take charge of leading and navigating change with a positive attitude, a mind open to new possibilities, the cooperation of others and strategic moves to deal with it successfully.

To learn more about how to create effective change, download The 5 Lenses of Change that Leaders Must Get Right