Change is the Law of Life
In every business environment people get comfortable. They tend to conform to the way things are over time, and then it happens… CHANGE. This always tends to throw a wrench in the gears, but … is there a way to soften the blow change can inflict?
As I work with partners to record their personal business experiences of implementing PaperWise, I learn a lot about the steps customers take to help their team adapt to “business renovations”. While some resistance to change always exists, there is definitely action both leaders and team members can take to guarantee success is always the outcome. After all, change is a part of life and is essential for businesses to keep up with business trends in an ever-changing economy.
As leaders in an organization, keep in mind that most often resistance to change is driven purely by emotion. Acknowledge that everyone is different, and thus will react in their own way to change. People like their way of doing things. Their processes bring them security because it’s something they can count on. In reaction, be proactive in your approach to change and plan to walk with your team through the transition. Up front methods work best so tell them of the plans ahead – what things will look like and what they can anticipate. Express the positives, as well as possible struggles. Be honest and let your team ask questions or voice their concerns. There will be less resistance if employees know why change is essential, not only to the success of the company, but how it will help them succeed as a member of the team. Be willing to work with associates to help them adapt.
Most importantly, treat the transition like a corporate event rather than a complete alteration of processes. If the internal culture of the organization isn’t threatened, then associates won’t view change as such a peril. How do you do this? I’ve heard of some partners putting together games, making training and education to accommodate the change fun and exciting. Others have attached a theme to implementation, getting the whole company on board with a solid message for everyone to hold on to. Tactics such as these require strategic planning that will not only help associates cope, but ultimately accept change. The result is success.
One PaperWise partner in particular considered the transverse effects of change and was determined to have as little disruption as possible while implementing PaperWise. They put together a team consisting of various members of departments throughout the company, and through a strong, strategic effort, they were able to implement PaperWise with limited hurdles, including resistance. Today they are paperless and associates have found the change was not half bad.
With good leadership, associates will adapt to new ways of doing things. In fact, most will have nothing but praise for the transformation. As members of the team, associates should remember to be patient and open. Keep in mind, management doesn’t institute change as a punishment; rather as a means to improve the company, which includes improvements to how you are able to do your job. Look at the change as an opportunity to grow professionally WITH the company. Change isn’t bad; it’s an element that serves to enrich us as people and professionals. Without it, businesses fall behind and can’t compete, and if leaders and associates work together, the outcome can be monumental.
At the end of the day, the truth about change is this… in every aspect of existence, it is a necessity; necessary for growth, both personally and organizationally.
–Rachael Snow, Public Relations Specialist
paper(less) trail 