Organizational transformation or change in management can be a challenging and complex process, especially when dealing with large-scale changes. If you've never experienced an organizational transformation or a change in management, consider yourself lucky – they can be a very daunting period in your career. I once worked for a company that just did not have the right recipe of employees for success. Instead of trying to create a strategic plan with defined goals, they just kept turning over employees and hoping that something would eventually stick – I have since left the organization, and the owner recently put the company up for sale. It is possible to successfully navigate these changes with careful planning, effective communication, and a supportive team. Let's explore some tips to keep in mind when working with an organizational transformation or change in management.
Establish a clear vision and strategy: Before embarking on any organizational transformation, it is crucial to have a clear vision and strategy in place. This should include a detailed understanding of the goals, objectives, and outcomes that you want to achieve. Having a clear vision and strategy will help you to stay focused and aligned throughout the process.
Communicate clearly and often: Effective communication is critical when working with an organizational transformation. If you follow me, you know that I preach Agile Scrum Methodology, and this is where it can play a crucial role. A core practice of Scrum is to have a daily and consistent 15-minute meeting to answer three things from every team member – what have you done, what are you planning to do today, and are there any impediments getting in the way of your progress? That's it – three questions to keep everyone coordinated and monitor the progress of the project. Then at the end of the sprint, review and demonstrate what was completed that meets the definition of done to stakeholders. If done right, this will result in clear and regular communication with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners. This will help build trust, manage expectations, and ensure everyone is aligned with the changes.
Build a supportive team: Change can be difficult for everyone, and having a supportive team in place can make a big difference. Ensure that you have a team that is committed to the changes, has the skills and experience required, and is willing to collaborate and work together towards the common goal. The team should also be able to self-manage themselves; this will help increase productivity and minimize growing pains since management might be new, which will help minimize the burden on them during their transition.
Invest in training and development: Organizational transformation often involves new processes, technologies, and ways of working. Investing in employee training and development will help ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the new environment.
Measure the velocity of projects/sprints and adjust as needed: It is essential to measure progress throughout the organizational transformation and adjust course as needed. This will help to ensure that you stay on track and achieve your goals. It is important to be flexible and adaptable throughout the process to respond to any unexpected challenges or opportunities.
Celebrate successes: Finally, it is essential to celebrate successes along the way. Recognizing the team's hard work and achievements will help build morale, reinforce the importance of the changes, and motivate everyone to continue working towards the shared vision. And no, I'm not giving you the green light to order pizza for the entire department as a way to celebrate success. Get creative in showing that the team's success is valued, and most importantly, don't reward the people who worked an all-nighter to get something done; that's a bad and outdated practice that does not help the team's success.
Working with an organizational transformation or change in management can be challenging, but it can be a rewarding and transformative experience with the right approach. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your transformation is successful and that your organization is well-positioned to thrive.