How to Implement Successful Change Management Techniques

Although change can be a good thing, it often makes employees uncomfortable. They may be concerned about potential job losses, a new manager, a restructured team, layoffs, or reduced pay or benefits. This is why change management is so critical for team leaders.

As a leader, you set the tone for your team. Effective communication and change management are paramount to your role. Providing regular updates helps your employees understand, navigate, and accept the change.

How to Implement Change Management Techniques That (Re-)Connect Teams

Planning

Share a detailed plan to implement the change.

Include why, when, and how the change will occur.
Document the tasks to reach the desired outcome.
Outline any new or changing employee responsibilities and a timeline for when they begin.
Develop responses to potential employee concerns.

Transparency

Provide as much information as possible about the change. This helps your employees feel more comfortable.

Let your employees know the changes will happen in phases.
Include how the changes will impact your team.

Articles you might also like:

Honesty

Remain as truthful as possible when talking with your employees. This promotes trust among your team.

Honesty is especially important if the change is in response to difficult circumstances or will lead to adverse short-term outcomes.

Present the information in an objective manner.
Share realistic outcomes.
Remain optimistic while acknowledging potential drawbacks and challenges.

Communication

Maintain open lines of communication with your employees.

Explain why the change is being implemented.
Share what the change will look like.
Answer employee questions.
Make yourself available to privately address concerns.

Mapping

Discuss where your company has been, is now, and will be going.

Talk about the company’s history and how it impacts the change being implemented.
Share how the change will affect the company’s future.
Demonstrate the thought and strategy used to create the change.
Show how the change fits with the business model your employees are used to.

Training

If the change involves technology or processes, let your employees know they will receive training on it.

Clarify that your team will receive adequate support to learn the new way of doing things.
Emphasize that your employees will gain the skills and experience needed to move forward with the organization.

Feedback

If possible, ask your employees to provide feedback on the change.

Your employees appreciate having their voices heard.
You can gain ideas, viewpoints, and impacts you may not have considered.

Implementation

Remind your employees that the change will take place in phases. This provides time for your employees to adapt.

You can proactively address questions and issues.
Your team can learn new ways of doing things.

Monitoring

Maintain oversight of the change implementation. Ensure things go smoothly and lead to success.

Define your metrics for success.
Monitor your metrics to stay on track.
Look for potential problems.
Resolve issues as quickly as possible.
Regularly touch base with key stakeholders to gain feedback.

Need Help with Change Management?

The executive candidates at Star Staffing have the soft skills, technical expertise, and strategic vision needed to help your business grow. Contact us to learn more or request an employee today!

ABOUT STAR STAFFING

With over 20 years in the staffing industry, Star Staffing has thrived as a top temporary staffing agency, which has been recognized multiple years by Forbes for its excellent service. Star Staffing supports multiple industries, including food and wine, events and hospitality, warehouse and distribution, and more. As the economy heals, we look forward to maintaining our promise: We are here when you need us.

Star Staffing is a full-service workforce solutions firm. We focus on making the best match between employee and employer. With offices throughout Northern California including Sacramento, Fairfield, Napa, Petaluma, Lodi, and Santa Rosa, Star Staffing is just a phone call or click away.