Getting commitment to change

Date: | Author: compita | Category: Change management | Tags:

Why improve your processes? How can you get commitment to change?

Let me start with the word change. Unfortunately, change for many signifies the unknown, and brings with it fear of the future. However, change must be viewed as the driver that moves us from one state to something better, and everyone involved must understand that the change is worth the pain and effort.

If we accept that to improve we need to change then let’s consider what we need to change. First, we need to get clear in our minds what drives our business. It’s these business drivers that determine what needs to change. Once we understand the drivers we can consider the processes we must change to enable us to achieve them.

Next we must convince everyone involved why we are making the change. It’s hard enough to sell the idea that we need to change but it’s much harder to sell the ‘why’. Fundamentally, each person involved needs to understand what’s in it for them!

Finally there’s commitment. We all use this word regularly, and in many different ways - the most common I note being senior management commitment. However, let me try a simple statement that can apply to all: ‘Commitment can only be given if we know what we are changing and why’.

I leave you with a few well-chosen questions. The answers will, I am sure, help you understand your commitment to change.

What are the needs of the business?

What process change is needed?

Why are we changing?

What are the tangible and intangible benefits?

Are we all agreed that we need to change?

Cyril Dyer