The one word that comes to mind for us to describe 2020 (well, at least a business appropriate word) is CHANGE.
Change has certainly been a frontrunner for the economy and business landscape this year. Reminds us of the popular book, “Little Fires Everywhere.” Figuratively, businesses have had to adapt to major changes and quickly, too. Almost like putting out little fires everywhere!
Or how about the fall change of “back to school,” which consists of many remote workers and remote learners attempting to complete both tasks simultaneously. Shout out to all the parents in the country and the world attempting to work from home and help their remote learning students! Certainly, not an easy task by any means!
Change is the way of life these days, just like the seasons. We have all had to change and adapt to survive in the new world reality. Change. A business is ever-evolving, always changing. This is not a new phenomenon. We just usually have more time to plan.
The workplace is now divided. A landscape of a hybrid model of at the office and/or remote connection. New rules and expectations to include in your business model, process, and organizational structure. New trainees who used to work in the kitchens are now learning a new skill, pouring concrete or learning the manufacturing trade, instead of the food industry. Training and mentorship to guide these individuals’ untapped resources due to this career change will need to be implemented.
The question is, how do you deal with change management in your business or even at home?! And on the fly. By the seat of your pants? You pick the idiom.
Here are some quick tips to help you stay on track, plan, and handle change with a breeze.
- Take a deep breath. No really. Take a deep yoga breath. And then learn to be as flexible as a ballerina. You will need to be flexible and agile to navigate major adjustments. There will be failures or mistakes. Be flexible about how you deal with those snafus and assign a flexible, agile leader to handle these issues.
- Develop a communication strategy. Excellent communication is key here. No children’s telephone games. Clear, concise, scheduled communication about everything from who is buying lunch to company policies or updates.
- Find your support structure and ensure it’s strong. Do this by listening. No questions barred, and let your employees know it’s okay to ask questions or provide ideas.
- TRAINING. To avoid turnover during times of change, ask your employees what areas of training they feel they need. And give clear communication when, where, and what types of training will be provided. Let them know they are supported!
- Measure your results! Not with a ruler, there are plenty of software programs that can help. If something is not working, change the process or procedure, be flexible, and try again.
These tips may seem simple or standard, or already be an integral part of your organizational structure. However, during the chaos that change can generate, we can easily lose sight of the correct, steady path. You will need those morsels left on the path to find your way back to organized and devise your plan for successful change management.
What did you find was the largest change in your business for 2020?