We have all known the term VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) for many years. Long-term stability no longer exists, in particular due to technical developments and changes in society and the environment. For many, change has become a part of their daily (working) life. This year another dimension was added and a new year is just around the corner…
What drives us to publish this article?
In 2020 a lot has changed, a new dimension has been added, now everyone is affected and / or involved. Everyone is required to adapt and make changes. A new year is imminent, a point in time when many would like to change something anyway. So now is the right time to write this article.
We have been supporting our customers with consulting and task management for 15 years now. All the topics we work on have one thing in common. They are about different types and dimensions of change (software implementation, restructuring, profitability and many more). We see opportunities in this, great opportunities, but it is important to tackle it properly so that in the end there is success and not a crisis.
Source: 123rf.com
As with all projects, the goal is at the beginning. You are probably familiar with the acronym SMART (specific, measurable, attractive, realistic, timed). We would therefore like to emphasize only those characteristics where, in our experience, the most mistakes happen. Above all stands that goals have to be specific and measurable. These two characteristics are about clarity. What exactly is it about? The goal must be tangible. The third term, which is often looked too imprecisely, is timing. Every goal needs a clear deadline to work towards. If the deadline cannot be met, a new one must be set. But one thing is certain: without a target date, it will take longer and thus become more expensive.
The next step is to identify the stakeholders. Stakeholders are all those organizations and people who are involved in the change, but also all those who are directly or indirectly affected, i.e. have an impact. Especially those who are (indirectly) affected are usually not directly obvious. It is therefore important to carefully illuminate all of the company’s employees, all of the company’s external interfaces (customers, suppliers, etc.) and the company’s environment.
This brings us to the planning stage. On the one hand, this is about breaking down the work into plannable parts. The first thing that should be implemented is one which leads to a quick visible improvement. This should immediately generate positive feedback and thus drive. However, there is one very important point to consider, people. Change creates uncertainty and maybe even fear or anger. These aspects must be taken into account in the planning. It is also important to consider whether an improvement which e.g. managers see as a way of making work easier is also valued and seen by employees. In addition to the technical implementation, it is also necessary to set up a detailed communication plan.
Now let’s get to you personally…
The turn of the year is often a time when a personal change is made. We would like to give you a valuable tip for this. Make only one change at a time. Maybe you know that? I would like to get up earlier in the future to go running. Start by implementing one of these two plans, if it works well and is ritualized, then only add the second. So you can get used to it slowly and stick to it in the long term.
With this in mind, we wish you a great start into the new year! Have fun, enjoyment and success with your projects … We would be happy to assist you or manage it for and with you!