Change is our one constant at work and in life. It isn’t easy and is often resisted. As we navigate changes in a work environment, location, and culture, what should you be reading to help your organization support change management?
According to David Rock, director of NeuroLeadership Institute, the fastest way to change is to follow the science of the brain. In his article in Forbes, “The Fastest Way to Change a Culture,” he encourages leaders to understand how the mind works to set priorities, change habits, and build systems to support the new culture or workplace. If you are interested in the science of change, I encourage you to check it out!
Change isn’t just difficult for rank and file employees - leaders often struggle with change as well. The Center for Creative Leadership has a fascinating white paper on “Change-Capable Leadership.” This White Paper talks about how important it is to be a “Change-Capable Leader” and references nine competencies for managing change. For me, the most important ones are the “Three C’s” - “Communicate - Collaborate - Commit.”
It could be time for us to dust off some of our classic books on change. Two short books come to mind that help employees understand change and our leaders who need to lead change. The first is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, MD., and Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber. Both are funny but thought-provoking parables that address change, help people overcome their fear, and motivate them to face the future and take action to change.
How can Human Resources lead this change? Below are three quick ideas to help you start the conversation:
Set a strategy with your leadership team - ask what jobs must work at the site and what jobs can work remotely, and are there any opportunities for hybrid roles.
Refresh your memory on change management steps and consider investing in the parable books mentioned above for some team-building exercises. This will help you discover what is holding everyone back from change.
Use the “Three C’s” - Communicate - Collaborate - Commit!”