Change isn't so easy. Most organizations really aren't foundationally prepared to design and implement a successful change, whether it's global across the entire organization, affecting only a team, or even smaller group.
Most of us are familiar with the rally around "Transformation!" or "Global Domination!", or "Innovation!", or "Streamlining!". It's almost dizzying when one or two words connote sweeping, massive, fast-moving energies. We all know change starts with awareness, the need for something to be different, whether a process, a culture, or something else. It's usually somewhere after awareness things can go very awry.
Understanding the Prosci 3-Phase Change Management Process driven by ADKAR is a great start in effectively preparing for and successfully navigating change. Preparing for, Managing, and Reinforcing Change are the three phases of any successful change management initiative and ADKAR stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement. These five words drive the three phases of change practice and at their core, support and drive adoption at every level within an organization and effectiveness from idea to execution and beyond.
Phase 1 - Preparing for Change
Why prepare? It's critical to understand how ready your organization even is for change. By performing assessments and risk analysis' shows the gaps. Only when you know areas of resistance can you truly define the overall change strategy, architect team structure, prepare team(s), and understand the sponsorship.
Phase 2 - Managing Change
Why manage? For effectiveness, efficiency, and success, an organization who's created and implemented plans which will move the organization and individuals through the change process ensures every aspect of change is managed, including the gaps identified in Phase 1.
Phase 3 - Reinforcing Change
Why reinforce? The success and continued success are critical to ensure the change is adopted and sustained. Collecting feedback keeps employees engaged and energized around change. If corrective actions need implemented, do them here and nip them early. Continuing to identify gaps keeps the process fresh and moving forward. Celebrating successes reinforce retention and helps make the change the "new normal".
Change isn't easy, but we'll help you. If you'd like to learn more, please contact us. We're happy to walk it with you!
