The Art of Influencing Change

REW Marketing
Posted by REW Marketing
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Unpacking the Secrets of Successful Change Leaders

Why do people resist change? And how do you convert them to your side? Getting people to agree with you during process transformations can be like pulling teeth, and we can’t afford that during a crucial transition. 

One thing most of us have in common is we dislike feeling uncomfortable. Process transformations do this by requiring employees to change their typical working approach and abandon their well-oiled routine. Without effective strategies, any change attempt will only be faced with resistance or, worse, quiet quitting.

In this blog, we discuss five strategies that’ll show you how to win supporters and make you a successful champion of change. 

Break Down the Barriers: Transparent Talk

This strategy requires you to be a good listener. Open your ears to all employee complaints, hesitations, and questions that will be thrown your way. The most effective response will only come once you put yourself in their shoes and understand the root of their resistance. 

Once everything is discussed, be clear and concise about the problem you’re solving with the proposed change and address each of their issues. Further, focus on building trust and gaining alignment.

Identify and Manage Stakeholders

Before implementing a process transformation, you first have to determine your stakeholders. These are the people or organizations that will be affected and will affect your initiative. Here’s a guide on how you should handle your stakeholders based on their level of influence and interest:

Regardless of where your stakeholders fall, all of them should be considered and managed. There should be open communication so conflicts can be addressed quickly, and their sentiments should be taken into account to ensure their continued satisfaction.

Expect and Address Resistance

Resistance can take place in various forms, including the following:

  • Active Resistance - This is the easiest to identify where employees openly voice their disagreements or anger. Instead of getting riled up, stay calm and clarify your points peacefully. 
  • Detachment - The response exhibited to change is silence and non-participation. Probe deeper and connect with those quietly resisting so you can address their concerns. 
  • Questioning - Employees will turn to questioning to get clarification and express their skepticism. Answer their questions to the best of your ability and encourage regular feedback to track their sentiments.

Match resistance with active communication, transparency, and patience. People are naturally hesitant to dive into unfamiliar grounds, so providing support, guidance, and assurance would ease the path to change.

Provide Training and Support

Change forces people out of their comfort zones and the best way to address their discomfort is by providing training and support. Scheduling workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions will alleviate a lot of employees’ worries and give them the confidence to thrive in their new environment. 

Another form of support is sharing the implementation plan with the team. No one wants to go into a situation blind, so knowing what and when to expect things will help reduce resistance. Take it one step further by preparing a strong post-change support plan.

Inspire Through Action

As the champion of change, your actions will influence how others will react to the process of transformation. Your confidence in the project will build confidence in others, and your active participation will inspire others to do the same. This position also gives you the chance to create a shared sense of purpose and excitement, subtly encouraging everyone to jump on board.

Conclusion

Leaders who embrace and drive change are the ones who position their organizations for long-term success and resilience. It’s crucial to understand that change is not just about adopting new technologies or processes, but also about fostering a culture that values adaptability and continuous learning. Employees at all levels should be encouraged to be proactive change agents, contributing ideas and solutions. Resistance to change is natural, but with clear communication, collaboration, and a shared vision, it can be overcome.

I’m interested to hear your personal stories about initiating change or any feedback you have on this blog, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!


Organizational Change FAQ

What is organizational change?

Organizational change refers to the process of making significant changes within an organization, such as restructuring, introducing new technologies, processes, or culture shifts, to improve performance and adapt to the external environment.

Why does Real Estate Webmasters value organizational change?

At Real Estate Webmasters, we recognize organizational change is crucial for businesses to remain competitive, adapt to market shifts, and meet evolving customer needs. It ensures that organizations can respond to external challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

Who are change leaders and what do they do?

Change leaders are individuals who drive and manage the change process within an organization. They inspire, motivate, and guide teams through the transition, ensuring that the change is implemented effectively and that the organization benefits from it.

How can an organization measure the success of a change initiative?

Success can be measured through the key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the change objectives, such as improved productivity, increased customer satisfaction, or reduced operational costs. Additionally, feedback from employees and stakeholders can provide insights into the effectiveness of the change process.

What role do employees play in successful organizational change?

Employees are at the heart of any organizational change. Their buy-in, adaptability, and feedback are crucial for the success of the change initiative. Engaging them early, addressing their concerns, and involving them in the change process ensures smoother transitions and better outcomes.

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