NOT ANOTHER 'CRASH DIET'

Why is it that so many companies still have a ‘crash diet’ approach to developing change readiness and capability within their organisation as opposed to thinking longer term and making a ‘lifestyle change’.

We know crash diets don’t work – sure we drop a few kilos, but they quickly find their way back, whereas a lifestyle change (regular exercise, modified diet and rewards) is more likely to see us lose and hold the weight off.

Shouldn’t it be the same for change readiness and capability?

Most of us a familiar with the common approach of conducting another crash course (diet) to ‘develop’ the change readiness of teams and management for each change event.  Let’s get management together, talk it through, tips on navigating people through the change curve, and so on.

Given the pace and impact of change for all businesses, a more sustainable ‘lifestyle change’ approach told strengthen and prepare every team member and leader for change, would be to define and integrate readiness behaviours as standards throughout the business.  I am thinking within company values, position descriptions, annual reviews, rewards programs and so on, and critically for leadership to espouse and live them.

Think behaviours/qualities like

• passion (drive and perseverance regardless of the challenge and barriers),

• accountability (ownership, responsible, accepts consequences in the face of change)

• optimism (seeing the bright side and encouraging others)

• tolerance for ambiguity (accept that things aren’t always clearly defined)

• tenacity (the ability to continue even when it gets tough and distractions present)

• creativity …..

What behaviours do you and your leadership team display?

#changemanagement #businessimprovement #salesperformance #salesrevenue