Changing self is not easy. Getting others to change even less so. No wonder so many change efforts fail.
Here’s 5 tips to be more effective when trying to inspire others to adopt new ways of working:
- Explain why the change is needed: Nietsche said ‘he who has a why to live can bear almost any how’. It’s the same with change. Team members need to have a ‘why’. They need to know, deep within, that change means ‘opportunity and success’ and that no change means ‘problems and failure’.
- Explain how they will gain: When team members understand the change is not only good for others, but also for themselves, they will be more engaged. The benefit might be immediate (eg ‘less work for you’), or in the future (eg ‘less rework afterwards’).
- Ensure quick wins: Build early successes, where team members experience the positive impact of the change. This will create a good “first impression”. And that is a great start. Maintaining positive vibes is much easier than having to convert ‘opponents’.
- Acknowledge frustrations & fears: When team members are not allowed to express concerns, resentment builds up. Even if the concerns were only small to start with. Welcome the emotions of the team members. Try to listen for what team members need for the change to be easier. Assess what could help them. The impact will be huge.
- Allow the teams to come up with their own ideas: When team members develop the implementation ideas themselves, they feel more committed. Think about it – when do you feel most engaged? When you have to follow an order of your boss, or when the idea comes from you? Our suggestion: give a clear mission to your team (with a clear ‘why’) and empower them as much as possible.
Apply the 5 principles above, and you’ll increase the chance of your change effort being successful.
If you want to further develop your own leadership and alignment skills, don’t hesitate to contact us as to learn more about our ‘leadership skills’ trainings or to organize an alignment session in your company.