One Deadly Error to prevent in Change Management

Leading change is really a challenging process all the way up from the start to the end. In every single of the stages there are various things to be aware of in order not to turn into a real mess. The bigger the change, the higher the chances for the mess and worse is the outcome of it. This is even more true and possible with the changes which involve an enormous number of people or a big organization in whole. In cases as such professional change management is always welcome and highly recommended.

It is a tricky procedure and there are numerous aspects to pay attention to. However one of them particularly should not be ignored and must not turn wrong if we want to effectively apply the change. That's open two-way communication with all relevant stakeholders.

The change management method has other important aspects and elements like analyzing, planning, envisioning, equipping, leading, monitoring, empowering, determining objectives and quick wins, stakeholder management etc. But yet, communication is the most vital component of the entire process and this is why.

Communication is the aspect that moves us through successful management of the change process starting from the pre-change phase when everyone is sitting comfortable in their status-quo positions. 

Communication is necessary to relocate them from that position and out of their comfort zone without creating stress, stress and resistance. So for you to even start the change you need open two-way communication which will consist of all necessary information on the current situation, the desire for the change and the perspective of what the progress will bring. This part is crucial for successful and clean management of the process that comes after. If the initial communication turns wrong, then everything will most probably go wrong, also, or in best instance will need a lot more energy to solve it.

Basically, people today allow changes very personally. It is in human nature to be fearful of the unknown. Changes create a lot of worries which generates resistance and opposition. In this phase the excellent task would be to win people over, to reduce anxiety and inspire them to get involved in building the change. This is all down to proper change management based upon solid communication plan that can present open, continuous and consistent communication.

When the change process is on its way, communication could be used to envision, motivate and inspire but also to maintain all stakeholders informed concerning the status, what's been achieved and what’s next. Communication is also the foundation for organization, reporting and managing the change all through the process.

At the end of the process, communication could be used to sum up and celebrate the success. Both, though strictly connected to the respective change process, also benefit future change projects. In that particular direction, summing up provides valuable lessons learned that can be utilized in the future, while celebrating and acknowledging will lift the team spirit and prepare it for new obstacles.

Without proper communication, all process phases along with other aspects and elements will be in danger. The method itself will be a battle rather than a well managed project. So the # 1 dangerous mistake that can ruin your whole project is the insufficient proper on time open two-way communication.