As market practices and needs are constantly evolving, companies are sometimes forced to transform themselves and adopt new tools and working methods. However, change management is a real challenge , which requires the implementation of a rigorous methodology .
What is change management in business?
Also called “ change management ”, change management consists of supporting a reorganization project within a company, following a specific methodology.
This change project can concern all spheres of the company: reorientation of part of the activity, modernization of the production tool, digitalization of services, development of skills, etc.
The major challenges of change management in business
Reducing resistance to change : to adopt new working methods or new tools, it is necessary to obtain the support of employees.
Reduce the costs associated with implementing change : supporting change helps increase its return on investment, by ensuring team buy-in and productivity.
Integrate the human dimension : taking the human factor into account in the change process is essential to obtain the support of employees.
Maximize adoption of change : New practices must be anchored in the company culture in the long term, for the change to be effective and sustainable.
Maintain motivation and collaboration within teams : changes that are too abrupt can be a source of fatigue, weariness or stress.
The 5 steps of change management in business
There are many theories that help us understand change management and approach it effectively, such as Leavitt’s Diamond Theory or Kurt Lewin’s change management model .
By analyzing these different models, it is possible to identify 7 major steps to successfully achieve organizational change.
1) Set a goal
The need for change arises from the awareness of a problem to be solved. This is why it is essential to define a clear objective, which specifies what the company wishes to achieve by implementing a new tool or a new working method.
This objective can take different forms, for example:
An increase in turnover
An improvement in the quality of life at work
An increase in employee satisfaction
A productivity gain
In any case, it is important to take stock of the current situation and take into account the organizational and cultural specificities of the company. Indeed, change is not managed in the same way in a young start-up as in a well-established multinational. The objective set must therefore be in line with the characteristics of the structure.
2) Establish an action plan
After defining a goal, the company can move on to actual change management.
This process must be framed by a comprehensive plan, containing all the communication and training actions necessary to support employees during this transition phase. This action plan must also anticipate potential points of friction, in order to best react to resistance to change.
Finally, it is relevant to designate change managers within the teams, who will act as relays on the ground to help the company achieve its objective.
3) Inform employees
Implementing organizational change requires good teaching. Indeed, employees must be explained why it is necessary and what it can bring them, while being transparent.
The company therefore has every interest in providing information on the reasons for the change, the action plan implemented and the different stages that make it up. The objective is to give meaning to this project by answering everyone’s questions and removing any ambiguity.
4) Train the teams
In many cases, managing change in a company requires developing new knowledge and skills. To give teams the means to properly operate the change, it is therefore essential to train them.
For example, when deploying new accounting software , employees must learn how to use the tool to its full potential. If the company adopts a new management method, training managers is crucial for the change to bear fruit.
5) Involve employees
As American psychologist Kurt Lewin pointed out, there is a significant link between discussion and interaction. In other words, the chances of a project’s success increase when employees are involved in managing change .
To do this, the organization can ask them for their opinions or suggestions. In this way, the teams fully recognize themselves in the project and adhere more easily to the change, because they have the feeling of being listened to and taken into consideration.
Change management in a company is a collective project. This is why it is essential to listen to the needs, questions and concerns of employees. The organization must therefore encourage discussion and sharing , for example by organizing workshops allowing everyone to express themselves on the conditions for the success of the change project.
