Nine Steps to Achieving Transformational Change
Drive Change From Within
Having the impetus for change is not enough. Management should drive transformational change within enterprise and be accountable for it.
Communication Is Key
From the beginning of your effort, leverage top-down communications to achieve transformational change.
A Road Map Is Not Enough
Use a holistic framework that lets you tailor your tactics and solutions to the people, processes, tools and infrastructure of transformational change.
Be Centralized and Decentralized
To manage transformational change, use a centralized team with project and change management skills. Then enlist the business unit teams to implement that change.
How to Create Buy-In
To overcome barriers to change: Launch a test project to establish the need for change and the efficacy of the process and team. Enlist people who already believe in the project to communicate its value and to create momentum. Outline the need for change from a business or ROI perspective.
Establish Reviews and Measures
Use incremental reviews and measures to facilitate timely problem-solving. Begin with the goal in mind and then identify measures that will indicate success along the way.
Use Improvement Programs
To reinforce change, provide ongoing training to encourage a new culture, behaviors and necessary skills. Incorporate these into employee evaluations and rewards.
Continuity a Plus
You should use continuous improvement programs to monitor and refine the transformational change so that it will endure.
How to Bridge Business Silos
To connect silos and overcome a lack of integration: Outline a single view of the transformation’s goals in a one-page document. Focus on the value streams rather than the functions. Use cross-functional training programs between the business, process and quality management teams.
