Changes in business can improve how your company performs, but your team may not be receptive to changes. Even implementing potentially time saving systems that can make their jobs easier can be met with resistance. A few techniques can help the transition and encourage the team to embrace change.
Share your vision
Show your team the full picture of how the changes are going to improve the company. Avoid the assumption that the big picture is obvious. You have researched and evaluated how these changes will improve your business. Sharing that knowledge with your employees helps them to share your vision. Some team members may not be in the loop at all. Gather your team together and lay out the vision you’re trying to accomplish, and the reasons for the change. This gives your team the opportunity to ask questions, and learn more about the changes so you can dispel misconceptions or unfounded fears.
Understand their side
The projects, meetings, and reports will still need to be completed while these changes are taking place. It takes time away from their jobs and add stress to their job. Realize you are asking them to add to their already busy schedule. If the changes are moving people around and changing the positions this can be even more difficult. Show team members how the change will make their jobs easier or better through specific examples. Be prepared with examples to explain how the change can help them — not just how it will help the company.
Reassure your team
Employees can become resistant to changes that streamlines tasks and technology that automates task that they handle for your company. Your team may question if these changes may eliminate their position. This added stress can make employees more resistant to changes. Unless you intend to downsize (that’s a different story), reassure your employees that new technology isn’t about eliminating jobs. Instead it’s about improving job conditions and opportunities for everyone.
Praise your team
Take the time to create a positive working environment with recognition. Praise and reward employees take even the smallest steps implementing change. These rewards don’t have to be money. Simply giving public congratulations may do more for rewarding your team. Through positive feedback and rewards, you will get your team engaged in the change.
Set goals
Making these changes fun doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive. It can help to give the initiative a fun project name. Set interim goals, and track the progress your team is making. Celebrate these goals and give your team something to look forward to when progress is achieved. Interject gratification, badges and awards for fun competition, too.
This small steps can ensure that changes in your company are embraced and transitions are handled smoothly. Your employees are your most important asset and their hard work helps your company succeed. Above all, strive to create a working environment in which change feels good and interjects a bit of excitement.