Get Moving on that Change


Off to the races. You’re launched, you’ve started, and change is underway. But wow, it’s more difficult than expected. All the sudden things aren’t moving as fast as expected and you’re like an engine about to stall. Colonel Candid here with some mentoring on how to get you back up front, leading like a boss (because you are a boss) and working to create real and lasting change.

 1.       Embrace the Suck. Did you consider a pilot of the change to learn what’s needed to support the change? Probably not, pilots take work and you just dove in. Well, let’s reconsider that notion and work to create one. It will help you anticipate bumps in the road and clear a path for your change.

 2.    And the “Biggest Winner” is. Recognize and award the achievements when change is underway. Look for constant and positive reinforcements. Why? This increases our ability to perform.

 3.       Intentionality. Don’t let your goals run wild with this change. Make sure the systems within your organization can align with this change. If you’ve got policies and information systems that will conflict with your attempt at change, you may be in a world of hurt.

 4.       Learn and Grow. The harder the project, the prouder we feel when working on it. Know the skills that your team will need to enable and develop. Support them with building this new talent. It’ll help exponentially grow your team.

 5.       Trust. Colonel Candid cannot say this enough times. You’ve got to trust until it hurts. Over communicate and model the behavior. You know, don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Make it personally significant and this deeper meaning to change will begin to take root.

 6.       Recognize Milestones. How often are you finding yourself playing the song, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang? If you haven’t yet, let ‘er rip. You need to celebrate short term wins. This momentum leads to greater success.

 7.       Accountability. Those who need to implement the change need to not only have the willingness but also the understanding that it’s on their shoulders. When you empower people, and they embrace their own feeling of accountability, you’re sure to win. Positive images, both figurative and literal, work to trigger positive emotions.

 8.       End Strong. Help your team stay focused to run through the finish line and not just to the finish line. You’ve got to remain aware that organizational culture can kill change. Don’t let people just comply because you’ve got this. Work to inspire.

In the end, you can and will make real and lasting change. Through this process you’ll learn more about your team and yourself. "People underestimate their capacity for change. There is never a right time to do a difficult thing," is a great quote from John Porter. As you move to make change, you’ll find that your team and organization changes itself too. In this space you’ll find your greatness.  
Location: Washington, DC, USA

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