A business process assessment evaluates an organization’s functions, systems and structures and typically results in recommendations for improvements. These recommendations may shake up the way things have always been done. Change is hard and without the right approach, organizational change efforts have a high risk of failure. However, proactive change management techniques coupled with the support and engagement from every level of your organization can significantly improve the odds of implementing meaningful change.
With some planning and intentionality, owners and executives can translate an assessment’s findings and recommendations into long-term success. Before embarking on implementing the recommended changes from a business process assessment (or any significant initiative, really), consider these tips to manage the necessary changes and maximize the benefits to your organization:
- Get buy-in from leadership: Management and leadership must embrace the planned changes and stress the positive impact they’ll have on the organization’s future.
- Define expectations: Make sure to set clear expectations at the individual and team levels to keep everyone working toward the same goal. Hold regular meetings with team members to stress the importance of their role in helping the organization successfully implement change.
- Get everyone on the same page: The entire organization must be aligned to gain team buy-in and commitment. A kick-off event can be a great way to rally the team and explain how these changes will enhance their experience and work environment.
- Keep open lines of communication: Develop a communications plan and outline the key talking points about the changes. Take any opportunity to discuss the change, what it means for employees and why it has to happen.
- Stick to your plan: There’s no point in developing a communication plan if you don’t stick with it. What you say is just as important as how you’re saying it. Team members are looking to you for guidance; tell them how their current commitment of their time, resources and energy will pay off in the long run.
- Address training needs: Consider what training or development your employees will need to help them adapt to the new processes. Even better, ask them! Solicit your employees’ input on their needs and what you can do to support them through the transition.
- Be open to feedback: With any type of change program, it’s important to give employees an outlet for asking questions or expressing their frustrations. Determine the best method for collecting and addressing feedback and who should handle questions.
- Be patient: Set realistic expectations around how long this transition will take. Everyone handles change differently and on their own time. Be patient with your employees as they go through the process.
Pairing these change management strategies with your implementation plan will help maximize the benefit of a business process assessment. With a focus on alignment, support and communication, organizations are much more likely to see positive and long-lasting results from their process improvements.
RKL consultants are experienced in not only conducting business process assessments, but also managing the changes associated with the recommendations. To learn more, reach out to your RKL advisor or use the form below to contact us.
