Business Builder Bob - Managing Change #3

1. The first step was to describe the change and why it is needed.

2. The second step was to get feedback --- LISTEN.

3. Answer questions, acknowledge concerns, check for understanding.

This step is intended to make sure impacted individuals have understood clearly what is being changed. Where step one was mostly you talking and step two was mostly you listening, step three should be a two way dialog.

Ask questions to check for understanding. Make sure the situation and the change is clearly understood - no exaggeration, no minimizing - just the facts Jack. This is critical to getting people focused on the real issue and not focused on speculation and the rumor mill.

It is also important to publicly acknowledge concerns. People need to know you are listening. A good practice is to repeat the concerns back to them and make sure you have voiced it correctly. You can offer to engage some individuals or teams in putting together options/recommendations for dealing with concerns you have not addressed - this is a judgement call.

There is almost always resistance to change even when it is obviously needed. Expect it. Keep the dialogue candid, open and thoughtful to minimize bad reactions and tempers.

Business Builder Bob
Bob Tetu
businessbuilderbob@gmail.com

Startup and Turnaround Specialist