© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Dealing with Change How Supervisors Can Help

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Session Objectives Recognize the impact of workplace change Identify reasons employees resist change Understand how you can overcome resistance to change Learn how to successfully implement change

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Session Outline Nature and challenges of change Importance of resilience in the face of change How to overcome resistance to change Steps in dealing effectively with workplace change Evaluating the change process

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 The Nature of Change Change is inevitable Change is continual Change is often difficult Change presents opportunities Those who manage change well, succeed © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Facing Today’s Tough Challenges Meet changing market demands Reduce costs and increase profits Expand customer base Maintain flexibility Assess strategies © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Keeping Up with the Rapid Pace of Change Technology Staffing levels Workplace relationships Legal requirements and restrictions Work/life balance © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Developing Resilience Bouncing back from temporary challenges Accepting the inevitability of stress Coping with and adapting to change

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Attributes of Resilient People Proactive Organized Flexible Patient Focused Positive © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Understanding Resistance to Change Grief Threatened security Shaken confidence Identity crisis Confusion Mental and physical fatigue

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Common Defenses Against Change Denial Blame Delusion Anger Defeat © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Working Through Resistance Work through resistance Validate employee concerns Share concerns

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Working Through Resistance (cont.) Explain the reasons for change Communicate a vision Work side by side

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 The Challenge of Change Questions?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Develop an Action Plan Objectives of change How it will be implemented Who will be involved

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Necessary resources Potential obstacles Time frame for implementation Monitoring and evaluation methods Develop an Action Plan (cont.) © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501

Announce Changes Announce as soon as possible Hold a meeting Provide clear information Head off rumors Keep employees up to date

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Create Change Leadership Look among those most affected Choose people who are enthusiastic Select good communicators

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Maintain Morale Be visible and available Be patient Be open and provide adequate information Be respectful

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Focus on Common Goals Set new goals Explain the steps Build on teamwork Provide reinforcement and positive feedback

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Collaboration in Work Redesign Shift focus to work Give sense of choice and power Boost understanding of the changes Increase commitment

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Organize Assignments to Promote Positive Results Establish clear performance standards Choose tasks or goals with strong likelihood of success Be sensitive to roles Recognize and celebrate success

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Pay Attention to Skill and Career Development Teach new skills Identify with new roles Understand potential Find new paths for growth

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Evaluate the Change Process Monitor the changes Modify plans as necessary Review the process

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Steps in Dealing With Change Questions?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Be a good role model Keep your people informed Involve employees Be honest about your concerns Work to boost morale Managing Change: Do’s

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Don’t treat employees like children Don’t lower your standards Don’t ignore employees’ concerns Don’t lose your sense of humor Managing Change: Don’ts

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1501 Organizations that fail to face new challenges cannot remain competitive Many employees are often uncomfortable with workplace change and may resist You need to understand the steps that will help you implement change successfully Key Points to Remember