Pitfalls of Managing Change

Types of Change Operational Changes Strategic Changes Cultural Changes Political Changes

Some Rules Apply to All Types of Changes

The Number 1 Reality

All change translates to a loss for someone

The Number 2 Reality

Due to rule 1 change is not embraced by most.

The Number 3 Reality

Change is inevitable, it is constant, part of life

Its not the progress I mind. Its the change I dont like. Mark Twain

The Final Reality (#4) So many (or even all) of the problems of managing change are problems dealing with people and their perceptions.

With this Basic Foundation Pitfalls of Managing Change

Not Recognizing What Change is Needed Or when change is needed Or why change is needed

Not Knowing Who Is Impacted and by How Much It will be a loss for someone!

Following the Crowd Or possibly not following the crowd Silk

Getting Too Far Out of Your Expertise Making shoes instead of growing cucumbers

Getting Too Far from Your Core Dance with what (who) brought you to the party Different from the previous one

Change Too Quickly Or Too Frequently Change for the sake of change

Not Having Access to Adequate Knowledge or Expertise Hiring family and/or friends rather than topic experts

Not Having a (Cash) Plan Out for 2+ Years Develop a measure to determine if the change is beneficial

Not Being Familiar with the Technology- Market-Semantics-etc. Take the time to prepare yourself FIRST

Going with a Gut Feeling Rather than Facts Know why youre changing

Now 2 Heavy Duty Ones

Not Getting the Buy-In from Employees or Family Communicate Explain the Why and the What

Not Knowing the Difference Between Leader & Manager The real title of this session should be Pitfalls of LEADING Change

A Manager Focus on set goals – goal oriented Concentrate on control Knows how to get the job done Organizing Problem solving Tells people what to do and expects it to be done

A Leader Sets the example Focus on motivating and inspiring Establishes direction and not a specific goal Knows when to let go

They Both Get the Job Done You can be both a leader and a manager But know which hat you wear and when This is the pitfall One teaches you to fish

An Example to Consider

Pitfalls of Managing Leading Change