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Do you have something in your life or business that you know needs to change but you have somehow not had the time or incentive to come round to address?
Should you be alarmed?
Should you be alarmed?
Do you remember Kodak? They were at the frontend of all things photography up to the 1990’s. They then failed to keep up with the new trends and too slow to get onto the digital photography wave. Today, its stock price is about 96 percent below the peak it hit in 1997. By 2012, it had filed for bankruptcy. A business can be aware of changes in the market but lack the capacity to change in a decisive and committed way. Action is key!
As a change management consultant with almost 20 years of experience, I have worked with many organisations which see change as a strategic advantage to keep up with the market and their broader business environment.
As a change management consultant with almost 20 years of experience, I have worked with many organisations which see change as a strategic advantage to keep up with the market and their broader business environment.
Kodak shows that not changing or even not making the change on time can be perilous for a corporation. They needed to change but also to innovate.
Every innovation entails change, but not every change involves innovation: not every time your company is managing change is it dealing with innovation. Surprised? Here is the explanation. Change management is an approach to transitioning individuals, teams and organisations from a current state to a desired one. It does not need to be a new method, idea or product; it just being taking the same concepts and applying them differently.
An example of this is international organisational redesign or IT upgrades – the goal being to increase performance.Change and innovation is not only for large corporations.
Every innovation entails change, but not every change involves innovation: not every time your company is managing change is it dealing with innovation. Surprised? Here is the explanation. Change management is an approach to transitioning individuals, teams and organisations from a current state to a desired one. It does not need to be a new method, idea or product; it just being taking the same concepts and applying them differently.
An example of this is international organisational redesign or IT upgrades – the goal being to increase performance.Change and innovation is not only for large corporations.
This can also be applicable for individuals and small businesses. Why is it so difficult to change? The challenge to change lies in the existence of a comfort zone. It is cosier to stay put although it is not a satisfactory status. But the effort and fears involved in shifting position are too great to deal with. This is what distinguishes the greatest from the rest. Les Brown states that we do not get ‘in touch with our greatness because of lack of motivation to push ourselves’. Although we are all blessed with a vast potential, many will fail to achieve their full potential.So we need to be motivated enough to seek to achieve the full potential zone where the fun happens. 3 steps can help in your individual change management process (inspired by the 8 Kotter Steps of Change) :
- Get Motivated: Conscience and buy into the fact that there is a need to change: your end state needs to be superior to your dislike of the status quo and the efforts needed to get there. There may be other people in the business or if it’s just you, you may still need help and support of others.
- Set Clear Targets: What is end vision and ensure it is communicated to all those involved with you or supporting you.
- What Ifs: Keep potentials risks and issues in sight and in control. Have support to help you manage these potential risks and obstacles. Keep worry at bay by looking at quick wins – there is nothing like a good story.
The Power in Change: I changed from being an employee to being a self-employed contractor. I changed from being single to being married with children. But most importantly, I changed from being quiet and hidden to being visible and writing articles, speaking, being known as an influencer!
About Olivia:
Olivia has been a project and change management consultant for almost 20 years. She now shares her experience and expertise as an empowerment speaker to empower people at all levels to pursue their dreams
Olivia has been a project and change management consultant for almost 20 years. She now shares her experience and expertise as an empowerment speaker to empower people at all levels to pursue their dreams
