Every year so many of us make those decisions; that we will lose weight, get healthier, fitter, happier. Sometimes we do. More often than not, those good intentions even though really wanted to achieve them somehow never materialise.
Organisations go through the same process. Meetings are held, decisions are made; to implement a new policy, strategy or way of doing things and yet, despite putting in all the time, the effort and energy, many ideas for change both good and bad simply never make it. They wither and die and get lost in the detritus of other failed change initiatives, while the next new bright idea for change is being hatched in the board room upstairs.
The worst thing about organisational change failure is that is can lead to the demise of the organisation. Think Kodak, Polaroid and Tower Records.
Walter McFarland author of Choosing Change and specialist in the leadership of large-scale organisational change describes a five step model to successful change based on:
Disruption: The event or experience that triggers the conscious choice for change.
Desire: The commitment to goals and determining the changes necessary to meet them
Discipline: Taking consistent action to build the momentum required for sustainable change
Determination: Develop the resilience required to focus and deliver, even when faced with setbacks
Development: Establish a system for continuous improvement, feedback and continuous learning.
Just like baking a cake, having the right ingredients and following the recipe is what leads to success. Change is normal, desirable, adaptive and achievable. Getting it right and making it happen is what allows companies to grow, develop and prosper.
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