As a leader, you see people, processes, and performance from a unique vantage point. That usually means that if there’s room for improvement, you’re the person best placed to see it.
However, this can also present difficulties because it can mean that you’re the only person pushing for change and trying to convince others that it’s needed.

It can be lonely and frustrating when you know that change would improve business performance and profitability, but are met by a wall of resistance. You might have loads of great ideas on how to turn things around in the business, but managers and directors don’t want to change how they’ve always done things.

So why might managers and directors resist change?

• Managers and directors generally don’t want to be seen giving up control to anyone else
• Change feels uncertain as opposed to keeping things the way they are
• People tend to be creatures of habit and change can be uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and confusing
• Managers and directors can get defensive about you trying to change things that they’ve put in place
• Managers might worry about whether they’ll have the skillsets needed to cope with change
• Change can seem like too much work, especially to already overburdened leaders

How to talk to managers and directors about change

When you have discussions with managers and directors about change, it’s essential to not only get across why it’s important but also to reframe it as a positive, inclusive process that’s going to result in better performance and profitability, rather than as something to be feared.

The only certainty in business is change. Businesses can’t afford to stagnate, as they will no longer be relevant and competitors will leave them behind.

But change that benefits the business and everyone in it does not come solely from decisions made at the top. It needs to be a collaborative process, where you, as a leader, come in.

So, when you talk to managers and directors about the need for change, here are some tips to help you do so confidently and with conviction.

Mind your language.
Change might have negative connotations for some people, so why not talk about development or innovation instead? These are much more positive words and suggest that you’re talking about business growth rather than something unknown.

Involve everyone
Talk to people about the changes you think are needed and why, and don’t forget to mention the benefits for them and the business. This will remove a lot of the fear and resistance around change, and others might be able to contribute ideas on how they think things can be improved.

Present managers and directors with evidence, and be confident!

It can feel frustrating and intimidating to be the only person in the business pushing for change, but hiring a consultant can help you lead change confidently.

I can provide you with the evidence to present to directors and managers and be a confidante with whom you can discuss your feelings and frustrations.

How I can help you lead change confidently

Change that doesn’t involve the people it’s going to affect, take into account their feelings about it, or consider whether they actually have the skills to navigate it is rarely successful. That’s why it needs a different approach.

When you work with me:

• I involve and engage managers and teams in the change process, helping them understand why it’s needed and their role in it.
• I can help you approach managers and directors with confidence and real evidence on how the change will impact the business and its people.
• I am honest and approachable, and I understand the concerns that you, managers, directors, and employees have about successfully implementing change.
• Can help you identify what’s needed to improve the business’s performance and profitability.
• Can help develop managers and teams to have the skill sets needed for the next decade.

Are you an HR Director or manager in a small to medium business?

Do you feel that change is needed in managing people and processes, but you’re the only one pushing for change?
Do you believe giving employees a voice and developing managers and the team is the key to better performance and profitability?
Do you have great ideas about how to turn things around, but don’t know which way to turn?

I can help.

My tailored packages, bitesize training, and workshops can help you:

• Identify what’s needed for the business to flourish
• Harness the power of a well-supported, confident, and energised team to increase performance and profitability
• Lead change confidently, with everyone on board

I have over 30 years’ experience in operational management and leading teams, and I know it can be lonely.
But I also know that realising the power of the collective is the key to increasing business performance and profitability.
With the right tools and training, working environments can become more harmonious, positive, collaborative, and productive.

Book a call to learn how my tailored packages and bite-size training sessions can help you lead and implement the changes that will prime the business for success.