Change equals opportunity: How to get your Employees on Board
The workplace is refining itself at an accelerated pace. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2020, one hundred million consumers will shop in Augmented Reality and 30% of web browsing sessions will be done without a screen. The emerging technologies that support these, coupled with new ideas and theories proves change is inevitable.
What are you doing to ensure you and your team are prepared to handle it?
Transformation is no longer a choice
Companies must commit to adjusting processes, systems and cultures to remain competitive. Uncertainty for many teams can be overwhelming but it’s important not to let it discourage you. Because change drives growth, it’s important to accept it. While many leaders are focused on actively pursuing and implementing new productivity solutions, transformation is most effective when employees are at the forefront of driving innovation.
Regardless of how many years of experience a company has been in business, it’s imperative that its workforce embraces what makes it successful. At Microsoft, this means fostering a culture of diversity, collaboration and agility which helps us live out our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Envisioning, initiating and controlling change creates opportunities and paves the way for organizations to transform and ignite growth. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella refers to the continuous process of renewal in his new book ‘Hit Refresh’, which is something that universally appeals to every organization.
Define ‘Change’ as an Opportunity
Managing your team through transition requires clear focus. Be sure to communicate that change breeds opportunity, and work to unify priorities toward achieving a common goal. Because change usually starts at the individual level first, it’s natural for employees to seek ‘WIIFM’ (What’s in It for Me). Help them find the personal meaning and validate their journey by answering those very important questions.
Show your team that change is good for business because it creates new avenues for advancement and has the potential to further skill development. It can often motivate optimism where innovation is sought, and collaboration of ideas is encouraged. Help your staff become advocates of change by ensuring they feel truly empowered.
Tips to Get Your Team on Board
Effective change isn’t imposed upon your team, it’s cultural. It’s not about what you’re telling them to do, but rather how much you listen to their perspective on how to adapt.
Some best practices to get your team on board include:
- Be transparent – Share what you know and be honest about what still needs to be defined
- State the questions – Define the questions and provide the data needed to answer them well
- Get their input – Involve staff and allow them to take ownership of issues and problems
- Be in-tune – Listen to their feedback and take their concerns seriously
- Inspire change– Integrate yourself in a team of peers working towards a common goal vs instructing change
Achieve More Together
Because change is constant, organizations need to drive change through people rather than driving people through change. Break from the traditional leader-follower mindset by empowering your employees. Test drive some of the tips shared to find out how you and your staff can cohesively work to embrace change and drive impactful results.
