Going the Distance: Innovation is Really Change Management

People don’t like change. Individuals tend to get comfortable in a routine situation, and thus the concept of change often brings with it a certain level of uncertainty and fear. But for any successful organization, change is essential, and thus, change management should be a top priority.

What is change management? In a nutshell, it is the management of change and development. It refers to the process of transitioning those within an organization to a desired future state. Change, whether big or small, can have huge impacts within an organization, and so ensuring that that change is not perceived negatively, and that it is understood as a part of the big picture, is essential in order for the benefits to be realized.

Managing change is critical to innovation. This doesn’t mean ‘selling’ change to employees; it means showing the real value that comes with change, and how it impacts everyone within an organization rather than just those at the top. If a manager attempts to ‘sell’ change, rather than explaining the significance of the change as well as the end goal, resistance might be the result. To create alignment, all team members involved need to be made aware, not only of the change, but the whole process and the ultimate objective as well.

Change management also means giving everyone impacted by the change a chance to voice any concerns or provide input. If there is a chance that the change may have negative impacts that were previously unseen, this opportunity for input can be very valuable. Change management means creating a safe place to fail, and to learn from mistakes. When you create ownership, employees will feel more committed to the change and the eventual end goal, and will be more committed to seeing the change through to fruition.

Still not concerned with innovation or worried about your change management process? After all, maybe things are working well and change doesn’t seem necessary. So what’s the alternative to change? Remaining static – but can you really afford not to change? Stagnancy leads to doors closing; as soon as you stop changing, you quickly fall behind.

Change management can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategy, it is a highly effective way to ensure that innovation is both implemented properly and is successful. Innovators Alliance can provide you with the tools to develop that innovation strategy and get your change management process ironed out. Contact us today at 1-905-332-0340.