- Alejandra Martínez Boluda, bicg's General Director.
What does change entail?
In a world marked by unprecedented speed and volatility, the ability to adapt to change is not only desirable, but essential for the survival and prosperity of any organisation.
This need to adapt, deeply rooted in human history, is echoed in the words of Heraclitus: "Permanent change is the only thing that does not change".
This article explores how organisations can effectively manage change in today’s context of increasing uncertainty, stress and anxiety.
Will you stay to find out?
1. Change through Human History
From Charles Darwin’s perspective, human progress has been defined not by strength or intelligence, but by the ability to adapt.
In the current era, this concept of change has accelerated, giving rise to what is termed a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) context.
Figure 1: BANI context. Internal Source.
This new reality highlights how anxiety and stress impact on our well-being, demanding a more humane and holistic approach to organisational transformation processes.
Immanuel Kant asserted that the measure of an individual's intelligence might be how much uncertainty he or she can process.
At the organisational level, this implies a capacity to manage uncertainty with tools and strategies that enable individuals to cope with and adapt to continuous change.
2. Change Management: Tools and Strategies
The change management process must be structured and holistic, spanning from planning to effective implementation. Models such as John Kotter’s from Harvard Business School suggest principles and steps that facilitate this process, focusing on the need for inclusion and support at all levels of the organisation.
Principles of Change Management According to Kotter
Kotter proposes four fundamental principles for effective change management:
- Select Few + Diversity of Many: It is crucial to involve the whole organisation in change, not just a small select group of leaders.
- Have to + Want to: Change the perception of change from an obligation to a desire.
- Head + Heart: Appeal to logic and data as much as to personal emotions and desires.
- Management + Leadership: Combine technical management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate.
Phases of Change and Return on Investment
The change management process goes through several phases from initial shock to consolidation and final implementation. Implementing an effective change management process can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving your objectives.
Figure 2. Change Management as a Success Factor. Source: IAO Fraunhofer, Germany.
Myths and Effective Practices
It is essential to have the active support of management, to involve all levels of the organisation and to manage expectations through clear and transparent communication.
Change management is not just an operational necessity, but a holistic strategy that must be deeply human, considering both organisational and personal needs. Organisations that embrace these principles and strategies are not only better equipped to handle today’s challenges but are positioned to thrive in an ever-changing global environment.
Decalogue of Success
Finally, a decalogue of success could summarise the main principles for accompanying change in an organisation, from ensuring committed leadership to maintaining active and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
3. Decalogue of the change process:
- Secure the Best Sponsorship: Engagement must start at the top. Convince senior management of the importance of change; if you are part of it, lead by example. A good sponsor is crucial to the success of the change.
- Define and Communicate the Purpose: It is not enough to announce the change; it is essential that everyone understands the reason for the change. Delve into the why of the change and convey a vision that inspires and motivates everyone to believe and actively participate in it.
- Actively Involve Everyone: Make sure the right people and relevant areas are included from the start. Direct participation in decision making and change design not only enriches the process, but also strengthens commitment.
- Practice Active Listening: Listening is more than hearing. Implement levels of listening that truly connect with others, understanding their concerns and valuing their input. Never assume; always verify and acknowledge.
- Find and Cultivate Strategic Allies: Identify and nurture relationships with those on your teams who can act as multipliers of your message. These allies will be essential to fostering and sustaining change throughout the organisation.
- Stay Consistent: Align your words with your actions. Consistency between what you say and what you do is essential to gain and maintain the trust of all involved.
- Set Small, Realistic Goals: Break down the change into smaller, manageable goals that can be achieved one step at a time. This will not only make change management easier but will also provide early wins that will motivate the team.
- Generate Urgency and Enthusiasm: Cultivate a sense of urgency that mobilises people to action. Enthusiasm is contagious; use it to drive change in a positive and dynamic way.
- Active and Transparent Communication: Keep the lines of communication open and clear. Make sure everyone involved is informed about the progress and challenges of the change process. Transparency minimises misunderstandings and reduces resistance.
- Be Patient and Persevering: Meaningful change is rarely immediate. Be prepared for a process that will require patience and determination. Persevere through the challenges, and stay the course with an unwavering commitment to the end goal.
This article, through its exploration of theories and practices, seeks to offer a robust guide for organisations to navigate the turbulent waters of change with confidence and effectiveness.
– Alejandra Martínez Boluda
