Don’t Look Back in Anger.

Every change programme contains an element of risk. 

In fact, it is probably true to say that if there is no risk then you are not really changing anything at all and the process you are about to undertake is just noise and distraction.  If that is the case – don’t do it!

The trick is to make sure that any risk is fully understood and most importantly proportionate to the benefits you are expecting to gain.

To do this you have to KNOW your business and put your trust in the hands of experts, but when you commit you must commit fully.

I was doing some research for a new project and was looking back at my notes from a global re-structure that I rolled out in 2014.  This included myself and two colleagues relocating to China for between nine and fifteen months. (Yay!).

In my notes I found a list of 20 guiding principles that we used to check every decision we made in that change process.  These included our approach to business systems, training, communications and how ultimately, we wanted to improve the service and speed that we offered to our customers.

I pulled a few out that although they read like a Politburo manifesto, in a few simple sentences set out a mindset that must be at the core of any change project, whatever the business, whatever the size, whatever the change project.

• Change the culture through repetition of a simple message

• Bring all interested parties along with you

• Trust people

• Never doubt you are doing the right thing

• Efficiency and speed are key - never stop telling people

• Deal with dissenters

Simple!