Change is both challenging and exciting. Any company that is serious about growth goes through periods of change. Those that come out on top are the ones who can guide their teams into the future and towards success.
This article guides you through five ways to effectively guide your winning team through change.
Work Together to Create a Plan
Your team should feel like they’re a part of the change process. Give them opportunities to make their voices heard while simultaneously inspiring them to buy into the vision. Your plan should answer the following questions:
- How will this change improve the company?
- What changes need to be made to each team so the change can be effectively implemented?
- What systems must be put in place for effective implementation?
- What resources are needed?
- How will we know that the change has worked for the company?
Have Clear Lines of Communication
Communication is crucial. All team members must be kept abreast with developments and goals that must be met. It’s also important for all team members to feel comfortable sharing their opinions and suggestions for improvement. It’s a two-way street.
Communication isn’t about dictating requirements. Instead, it’s about including the team in the process. Choosing the right people as team leaders is, therefore, crucial.
Assign Key Responsibilities
Change sometimes results in the need to restructure teams. You’ll need to identify people with strong skill sets who embrace the change to work alongside managers. They could also lead newly created teams. The option depends on the structure of the company and the type of change you’re experiencing.
Make Expectations Clear
Your team must understand what they’re working towards. Roles and expected outcomes for each position must be clearly defined. It’s also important to understand what each team member expects from their leaders. Their feedback will help you understand the type of support they need to produce the expected results.
Create a System of Accountability
A typical scenario when change is being introduced is for a meeting to be held with all staff. This lengthy meeting seeks to communicate expectations and assign roles. Team members are then left to their own devices. Their team leaders haven’t been sufficiently guided through how to track their teams’ progress.
Don’t let the same thing happen to you. Set up a system where regular feedback is required. This feedback could be in the form of weekly reports or weekly tracking of relevant metrics. The point is to consistently track progress so your team will be compelled to meet their targets.
Change is important for growth. You can lead your company through change by following the tips outlined in this article. Help your team view change as an exciting and fulfilling process and your company will make great strides while keeping your employees healthy and happy.
About the Author
Divya Shankar is a marketing and management assistant at Myhrtoolkit Limited, an online HR software for SMEs.
