Since you became your own boss, you’ve probably worked out that the only constant in business is change. Whether you need to introduce new systems and processes, or whether a complete overhaul is needed, managing change well is essential for success.
But one thing that often stands in the way of successful change is fear. Generally, people are resistant to change, and anything that potentially takes us out of our comfort zone or changes the status quo somehow seems frightening.
But sometimes, change is just needed for your business to adapt and grow, or you can get left behind. What’s important to remember, though, is that for change to be acceptable for all, it needs to be handled sensitively, and in collaboration with others. You may need to introduce change to the business, but you don’t want to be seen as a heartless autocrat who imposes things on people without a second thought.
So how can you remove some of the fear around change?
You need to explain to your team why the change is needed, and what benefits it will have for the business. Be honest and transparent about things, or you risk losing people’s trust, and this will only increase fear and disengagement. Using real-life stories to illustrate the reasons for the change will have far more impact than sharing plain facts. And remember people absorb and learn in different ways, so share the information verbally, visually and written. The different styles are more likely to be absorbed.
Think about the fear of change is based on
Change can be scary, after all, it often means that you’re taking a leap into the unknown. But it can be useful to understand your fears. Do you have a tendency to jump to thinking about worst-case scenarios? Is avoiding change a way of protecting yourself? How can you lessen your fears? Well, you can communicate well with your team and gain support for change, or you can hire a business consultant who’ll give you the benefit of their experience. I guarantee they will have been through almost every business scenario you could name. I can assure you have. I can still recall situations where I felt so lost and uncertain, but those experiences made me what I am now.
Think about the positives change could bring
Instead of wasting your time and energy on worrying about what could fail, or come crashing down, think about what could go right. Will change open up new markets and opportunities for you? Will it keep you one step ahead of the ever-increasing competition? Focus on your potential for success rather than failure. Be excited about what’s going to come next. Sometimes the change can seem as if you haven’t got all the facts, but where you can, go with the flow because ambiguity is becoming the norm now.
Include your team in the change process
This can go a long way to removing the fear around change. Listen to people’s concerns and answer their questions as honestly as you can. If you go ahead and make sweeping changes without their input, it will make them feel that they’re not valued and not being listened to. Involving people in decision-making can make them much more receptive to change when it comes. Create a two-way communication system. If all working together, try flip charts placed on the floor to pick up FAQs. Set up working groups to encourage ideas and the communication needed. Be visible and be approachable.
Continue to support your team post-change
If your team were already overloaded with work prior to the change, you don’t want them to think of the change as something that just brings more pressure. Give them reassurance about the benefits that new ways of working will bring, for them too, not just for the business. And make sure you evaluate the change through an after-action review to pick up issues and learn lessons. The times this doesn’t happen, and valuable opportunities are missed.
If your team were already overloaded with work prior to the change, you don’t want them to think of the change as something that just brings more pressure. Give them reassurance about the benefits that new ways of working will bring, for them too, not just for the business. And make sure you evaluate the change through an after-action review to pick up issues and learn lessons. The times this doesn’t happen, and valuable opportunities are missed.
Do you want a business that’s fit for growth, but all you see around you is chaos, a disorganised team that can’t solve issues without you, and fears about the future that seem way too real?
Things need to change if you want to grow your business into something that’s going to bring you personal and financial freedom.
But implementing change is scary, I get it.
I understand how daunting it can be to grow and make improvements, but I can help.
• I can help you build a secure future and create a business with great potential, for you and your employees.
• I can give your employees the skills and support they need while making them feel energised about the future.
• I can create the action plan that’s going to take your business to the next level.
• I can help you harness the power of your team for growth.
Why work with me?
• I’ve implemented change in organisations, and I know how it feels from both sides of the fence
• I’m a CMI Level 7 Professional Consultant, with over 30 years’ experience in leading change and continuous improvement projects, so I understand the tools and processes that can be implemented to help your business grow.
Book a call with me to find out how I can help your business, today.
