Change management: No time like the right time

Source: Technology Digital

Date :29/11/2007 12:32:03

Change is inevitable. So how can we better fit people and organisations for change? Exec UK presents some simple tools for understanding

Written by Terry Carroll

Brits hate change. And yet change continues to happen ever faster – especially in the commercial world. Where the two collide, you get stress. And we’ve never been more stressed - or depressed.

Being world class

Some people think being ‘world class’ is beyond them. TQM was a passing fad. Ironically, it seems, it’s never been easier to be world class because so many people are ‘stuck’. We don’t talk about TQM any more because for those organisations that are doing it really well, it’s a way of life. For the rest, it was a fad and they’ve reverted to ‘middle of the road’, humdrum or worse.

There are a number of easy ways to become world class. Here are just three: get your organisation to work together; become comfortable with – even motivated by – change (make change your friend!); and only recruit talent – at all levels.

Working together

People are different. So how can they work together? Among other ways, find common ground – especially with regard to motivation; celebrate difference (do you want a team of clones?); change individual and organisational beliefs – they are what’s holding you back.

In a relay race, someone has to be quick off the mark; someone has to be very fast and determined to win on the last leg; everyone has to be a team player, able to take and release the baton without dropping it. In a Rugby World Cup, some have to be forwards, specialising in the exploration, development and opportunities of oil and gas reserves in the untapped UK continental shelf in the North Sea. “some kickers, some runners, tacklers, throwers, pushers, etc. But they all need a plan, to be able to play as a team and, including as individuals, know when to change the game plan and when and when not to take risks...

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