I’ve seen it happen again and again. A talented executive is brought into an organization to “shake things up,” only to discover that most people don’t want shaking up. They want to keep on doing exactly what they did the day before.
Here’s what happened to a former client I’ll call James. James was a manufacturing executive who was hired by a global engineering firm to overhaul their supply chain. He was thrilled, expecting the work to be an exciting challenge. What he didn’t expect was that people would be so resistant to change that they actually avoided getting to know him.
What James quickly realized was that he couldn’t just be a change manager, implementing efficiencies and making system updates. He had to be a change leader, creating a compelling vision of the future and helping colleagues connect the dots so they could see exactly where they fit into the picture.
James started his change leadership process with informal walk-around meetings, getting to know people and building their trust over time. Through constant communication and ongoing education, James helped his colleagues see not only where the company was headed, but also the opportunities that awaited them as individuals.It wasn’t an easy process and James would be the first to tell you that change didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. Just eighteen months later, his supply chain overhaul completed, James was moved to another location so he work his magic there.
Here are some tips for all you change leaders:
- Create emotional connections with formal and informal followers. Spend the time finding out what’s on people’s minds and what changes they feel are important. Once your coworkers know, like, and trust you, change gets a lot easier.
- Change is not a project, it’s a mindset. While it’s okay to acknowledge people’s doubts and insecurities, it’s your job as a change leader to role model that change is not a death sentence, it’s an opportunity for growth.
- Be patient. Real change takes time and effort which can take a toll on those who are constantly beating the drum for new ideas. But hang in there, stay positive, solicit the support of like-minded people – and let everyone else catch up!