- You are here:
- Home »
- Blog »
- Leading Change »
- How To Support Your Team In Times Of Change
How To Support Your Team In Times Of Change
Change is happening all the time in organisations. Most of the time people just go with the flow. From time to time there will be more significant changes such as:
- A significant change to working practices
- Tackling a financial crisis within the organisation that might necessitate redundancy
- Integrating newly acquired into your organisation and ways of working
At these times leaders and managers have a key role to play in supporting change. So what can leaders and managers do to support the team in times of change?
Acknowledge Everyone Is Different
Faced with major change, some will go into shock. Others will deny that has any impact on them. Some might get angry. Others will passively accept and some even view it as a great opportunity. Be willing to acknowledge these differences and tailor how you deal with people based around their individual needs.
Involve People
Few relish something being imposed on them. People on your team are adults and won’t confuse involvement with getting their own way all of the time. Involving them will increase engagement and chances of succeeding in making the change that is needed.
Listen A Lot
You can talk and tell until the cows come home. On the other hand you will more than likely achieve much more if you are willing to listen and learn to others.
Be Honest and Realistic
People don’t like fluff or promises that you cannot keep. Try to be honest and realistic with people while retaining a positive outlook.
The Bottom Line: Times of change are never easy. At the same time often very small changes to how you handle change as a leader and manager can yield very different results.
Duncan Brodie helps organisations improve leadership, management and team working. Learn more here
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.