A new year has begun... Yes, the famous resolutions, etc... but change can be made throughout the year. Here are some hints, tips, and tricks for times of change.
See change as an opportunity.
Change can be described as a transformation, a redesign, or an improvement, advancement, or expansion of something. In modern German, the term "transformation" is used. Personally, I prefer to stick with the meaning "a change = an opportunity."
I wouldn't take it so seriously with: "Uh, it's a new year, I have to change something right now... no, you can always start changing something. You have to be ready for it; you don't need December 31 or January 1. Instead, you need your willpower and a little courage, and often a "dead end" where you just want to get out and then push yourself to improve something.
We all want improvements, and we have nothing against them. That's why we stick to opportunities and improvements, because the word "change" alone discourages us from doing things differently than before. It's like the term "executive coaching." I usually refer to it as executive development, because everyone wants to develop themselves further, but many don't want to be coached. 😉 It's all a question of word choice and interpretation.
But how do I bring about change in a team?
In a team, it usually works no differently than when you work alone.
Ask yourself:
- What is stopping me from changing something?
- What would I need to tackle the change?
- Who can help me improve/change?
Once you have answered these questions, it is usually quite easy to apply the answers to your team. Believe me, each of your colleagues and each of your employees has similar reasons for self-doubt or bad experiences when trying something new. This is one of the reasons why many people shy away from the word "change" and everything that goes with it.
However, most of us know that change can bring about many good things, wonderful experiences, and successes. That's why questions such as
- What bad things have come out of my latest change?
- What good has come out of my latest change?
... very appropriate and helpful for reflection.
Change in the team
The best way to initiate changes in the team is to discuss them together in a meeting, a feedback session, or a weekly setting. The best way to do this is to ask questions such as:
- What went really well in the last project?
- Where can we still improve?
- And what do we need to do to be more efficient next time in this or that situation?
Honestly, reflecting, taking steps, and implementing improvements is essential in a team.
Why?
The team members stay on the ball, closely follow what is happening on a daily basis, and are aware of the goal and the steps needed to achieve it.
The only thing you mustn't do is interrupt the flow and reflect too much. Depending on the project and the length of the assignment, perhaps every 3 or 4 months. For shorter intervals or short projects, every 4 weeks... really always tailored to the project and when it makes sense.
Output: Successfully implement change within the team.
Improvements are desired in every team. The question is how much change is needed and what individual team members, management, and executives can contribute to this. It is important to talk about this, identify potential for improvement, and take active measures within the company. After all, if you ask for suggestions for improvement, e.g., in employee surveys, and then do nothing about them, you will end up demotivating your staff, and motivated employees will increasingly consider working elsewhere.
You want to initiate improvements with your team and employees and need external support to do so ...
#coaching #changemanagement #executivecoaching #masteringchange #goldwertcoaching #goldwert