Though everyone knows change is inevitable, change within an existing business process or structure can be met with resistance. It is important for a small business owner to ensure that all employees, staff and managers are on board with the decided changes.
Whether you are making structural and process changes due to industry currents, feeling growing pains, or just moving to another location across town, the strategies you use with your workers can make all the difference in the success of your small business. Here are a few tips.
Be Flexible – Not Linear
As an analogy, consider building a new house. Plans are made, blueprints are created, and construction goes from point A to point Z to construct the full house. This is a very linear process.
However, consider a home renovation. The home already exists, so there is much flexibility needed in moving belongings while a certain room is redone or even moving into a temporary hotel while the renovation takes place. Likely, there will be changes to the renovation as additional problems with plumbing or electrical are revealed during the process.
The home renovation process must be flexible, and so must your employees while making changes in your business.
Give More Specifics
When small business owners and top executives make big changing decisions, rarely are the full details disclosed to the managers and employees. This prevents them from doing what they need to do to help change move along.
Don’t be afraid to give specifics. Let the folks know what your ultimate goals are. Let them know your vision, and what they need to do to make your vision a reality.
Help Your Team Commit to Change
It’s not enough to announce that change is going to happen. Be the coach for your employees, staff, and management team. Listen to their concerns and let them know your concerns as well. Dialogue is important throughout the change process.
However, also be an enthusiastic coach. Give praise for work completed. Keep your employees focused on the goal, and don’t forget to reward your team for a successful transition.
