Two weeks ago, I started a video tip series on strategies that you can use to create successful change in your organization. Last week’s advice was to be patient and persistent with your employees when implementing organizational change. Today’s strategy to create successful change: be accessible to your employees.
Be accessible to your employees
Successful change means that your employees need to come on board, and they can only do that if they have their concerns addressed and questions answered. Make yourself available to your staff at all times, but particularly during the early stages of your change initiative.
Do it in groups
One of the best ways to make yourself accessible is to hold frequent town hall or Q & A meetings. Essentially, a town hall or question-and-answer meeting is an open forum where you (and other appropriate managers or employees) are available to answer questions that your people may have. Even if you don’t get much dialogue going in such a meeting, holding them regularly sends a very powerful message to your folks. It tells people that you’re committed to helping support them through the significant change, and that you’re open to sharing information and addressing issues. Listen carefully to the employees’ concerns about the change. Give them detailed responses to reassure them that you have heard their concerns, even if you are not able to address them completely. Be open, honest, positive, and clear with what you know, and what you don’t know.
Do it individually
In addition to town hall or Q&A meetings, make yourself available to individual employees as well. Be accessible, and you’ll find that employees will be much more willing to support you through the change management process.
Well, do you agree? Any downsides to what I’m suggesting? Would love to hear from you.