Kathleen's+Approach+for+Managing+Ongoing+Change

Kathleen Lepori EDU 668 Anderson 7/2/09

//Develop/evaluate approaches for managing the ongoing change. Identify 5-10 key principles for managing this change in your setting. Post to wiki. Due: 7/6//


 * APPROACH FOR MANAGING ONGOING CHANGE**

In determining key principles for managing change in any organization, the change agent should have a basic understanding of the systems and structures, including leadership and management, in the context of the change effort. Knowing that it is human nature to resist change, or fear of the unknown, is half the battle. Establishing effective communication can help overcome that fear and allow change to occur. And for change to occur, it is important to realize that managing people is indeed managing feelings. The participants in this change need to have:


 * An informed awareness of the need for change
 * A commitment to support the change
 * Possess the wherewithal to make the necessary changes
 * And have the skills to make changes occur

Although I list, in this assignment, several principles for managing change, one of the major principles of managing change is being prepared. There is a series of steps or stages that need to be aligned, and probing questions to be answered, before taking on the proposed action for change.


 * Stage 1 – Getting ready for change**

What is the change that is needed? The proposed change needs to be identified and shared with all stakeholders.

How will the change be promoted? It is important for buy-in that all stakeholders and decision makers have a clear understanding of the benefits of the proposed change. It should be well defined as to why this important and needed change will occur. Change usually is introduced as a means to increase performance. Most employees desire to increase their performance and better their practice, and if they are made aware that this change proposes to do just that then it is highly probable that the proposed change will be successful.

How will the proposed change be implemented? This can range from a simple non-evasive procedure to a complex, company-wide implementation in which all employees are involved. It is imperative that all stakeholders are aware of how the change will be initiated.


 * Stage 2 – Implementing the change**

How will employees be involved in the change? It is human nature to know how something will affect them. Knowing what role they play in the process of change is vital to employee buy-in and trust.

What form of communication will be available to answer questions and concerns? The importance of open communication cannot be stressed enough in trying to implement change. Employees should be made aware that open communication and ongoing dialogue is key to the success of the proposed change. They need to be told that they play a vital role in understanding the successes or failures of the multiple steps necessary to implement the change efficiently.

How and what kind of training will be offered? With almost all changes training must take place. This training should be presented as an opportunity to grow with the company and they grow and learn. Knowing how much training and when it should be offered can make a huge difference in how well the change is accepted and employed.


 * Stage 3 – Sustaining the change**

Was the change effective? Follow-up data in the form of post surveys and personal interviews (employee feedback) can be extremely beneficial in knowing how effective the change was and what kind of a difference has it made to the employees and ultimately to the organization as a whole.

What is the plan of action for keeping employees aware of ongoing updates and revisions to the change that was implemented? Maintaining ongoing dialog with stakeholders is good business. It keeps management aware of any problems and or solutions to the change that has been implemented. By hosting an online “suggestion box,” employees can anonymously post their concerns, questions and suggestions without fear of retaliation. As well, management should have a community whiteboard in which employees can readily access where they can read about updates and current revisions.