"In just about any business environment the only thing you can really count on is that everything will change. So, it’s best to be prepared for it"
Good Morning Folks
The following managerial theory I’m about to dish out which came directly from Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a recognized expert in the field of change management.
In her book e-Volve, Dr. Kanter laid out the following characteristics of true change masters. She argues that if we all study and emulate the processes followed by change artists, we will become better managers of change ourselves.
And who needs that? We all do! In just about any business environment the only thing you can really count on is that everything will change. So, it’s best to be prepared for it and if you follow this list – you will be.
==> Tuning in to the Environment
- Encourage Organizational curiosity. Let everyone look for change opportunities. Look outside your own area as well.
- Measure not only against past performance but potential performance as well. (i.e.- what’s the opportunity cost?)
==> Kaleidoscope Thinking: Stimulating Breakthrough Ideas
- Challenge and question current assumptions.
- Encourage “out-of-the-box” thinking.
==> Setting the Theme: Communicating Inspiring Visions
- Charisma factor is critical
- “If you can dream it, you can do it” is not necessarily true. “If you can dream it AND make others dream it, you can do it”
==> Enlisting Backers and Supporters: Getting Buy-in, Building Coalitions
- What is the minimum support system required?
- Where are you going to get everything you need to be successful?
- Make sure everything is in place before undertaking the change initiative.
- Plant some seeds before the change announcements. See who shows initial support, then bring them in.
==> Developing the Dream: Nurturing the Working Team
- A new team, doing new things, needs a leader who can fend off the rest of the organization to keep them doing what they need to do.
==> Mastering the Difficult Middles: Persisting and Persevering
- After the project has gained some momentum and is underway, the completion of the project is the most difficult phase.
- Time and resource shortages often pop up and can be very difficult.
- Everything can look terrible in the middle.
- Unexpected obstacles pop up.
- Momentum slows because morale sags.
- Critics seem to (re)surface at this phase.
- Leaders must be resolved to see it through.
==> Celebrating Accomplishments: Making Everyone a Hero
- Once the project is complete, make sure to take time to celebrate the accomplishment with team members who made it happen.
- Organizational change is a perpetual process, so after celebration begin tuning into the environment again to see what next steps are needed and begin right away.
A new team, doing new things, needs a combination of amazing strategy, planning, training and having great players who are committed – everyone on the team knows their position and role and they work in harmony to execute greatness. That is what FSO is all about – a perfect harmony of perfection and greatness. We have won and continue to win because we make everything PERSONAL – this is what attracts great talent to FSO, and why brands have chosen FSO and stick with us.
Personal is about that phone call at 11pm at night or 6am in the morning when a prospect, client or someone on our team needs us and we are there to answer that question, support in any way possible and to make the person on the other line or in person feel our passion and urgency in solving their problem or just showing our commitment.
And all of this, in and of itself, is radical CHANGE from business as usual. FSO has a culture that breeds success, overcomes challenges and exceeds expectations.
Every site employee, YOU, are masters of CHANGE and are the FSO difference! Your commitment to service, to exceed the client expectations, to do just that little bit more, to be more professional, to have that better idea, to notice that detail, to take action when no one is watching is what makes this company the best outsourcing provider in the business.
Currently I am holding on my desk 94 letters of commendation for various employees and teams from clients for the CHANGE they helped orchestrate in their organizations.
I look forward to hearing stories from all of you on how we have made an impact in the lives of our employees and customers by being a change master and not just a cheerleader of the status quo.
Have a GREAT day, love life and I look forward to seeing you soon.
