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The Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make When Trying To Make Change
Organisations that want to thrive and survive in the long term need to continue to change and adapt. The trouble is change and the levels of success in making change are actually pretty low. Research often suggests that as many of 7 out of 10 changes fail to deliver the desired results.
So what are some of the biggest mistakes leaders make when making change?
Mistake 1: Making An Announcement
Of course you need to let people know that there is a need to make change. At the same time a big bang announcement is only ever likely to result in a situation where people retreat into resistance. You need to get people comfortable with the idea first.
Mistake 2: Over Reliance On Tools Of Change
As someone from a professional background I like structure and process as much as the next person. At the same time I learned the hard way that the best tools in the world are of no value unless you have people on board.
Mistake 3: Wanting To Have A Finger In Every Pie
It is tempting to want to get involved in everything. At the same time if you are just dipping in and dipping out you are probably causing more harm than good. Curb the temptation to over control and have a say in everything.
Mistake 4: Not Involving
Think about it. If you were part of the team that crafted the change idea, would you not be more willing to make it happen? I assume the answer is yes so don’t expect people to embrace change without involvement.
Mistake 5: Giving Too Much Air Time To The Cynics
The reality is that any time that you try to do anything there will be a small cohort who will build brick walls to stop things happening. Make sure you are focusing on the critical mass.
The Bottom Line: No change initiative is going to be problem free and often some simple things can make a difference to what you achieve.
Duncan Brodie helps leaders and managers be more successful.
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.