We thought it necessary to share some observations of poor change implementations and one big factor overlooked by business management when embarking on a change program.
We find so many times that the senior team of a business or indeed the Owner has great clarity on the way forward, the direction of the next “Movie-of-the Month” and heads off with great gusto proclaiming the next great thing, the next great program, the next great whatever. Then after a period of time turns around, metaphorically speaking, and finds that “they” are not following. Business consultants could have a role to play here. You’ve got to bring your employees with you.
It’s all good having great ideas, but they are not worth a hill-of-beans if your team does not come on the journey. So how can you ensure they come on the journey?
Firstly, include them in the discussions early in the game. They must feel part of the plan. They know more about the workings of the business that you do. If they don’t business consultants can help with solutions. Get your team to design or provide a solution to the problem. It is very hard for a person who gives a solution to a problem to back away saying it won’t work. They will have more motivation to its success because they came up with the idea and have “skin in the game” so to speak.
You must measure progress with some visible metrics and graphs that show progress. If you don’t know how to come up with KPI’s or Metrics then business consultants will have a lot of the answers. Measurement is only one part, you must manage and then adjust the process as necessary to guarantee a robust system the helps increase growth, profitability and productivity for you and your business.
