AxTenk Blog

We often too haphazard about the way we approach the change process. Eager to implement, we fail to develop plans that provide staff members with clear, consistent direction and communication as a new order is established. Consequently, we only create a climate of confusion and frustration, which makes the change effort more difficult than is necessary.

A change management plan should be a written document that maps out the route for getting from the current state to the desired state in a well-coordinated manner. Think of it as an anchor that provides some stability for both manager and staff members in the midst of a transition. It is different from an operational plan, which outlines goals, strategies for achieving the goals, and action steps for implementing the strategies. A strong change management plan is about the process the manager will use to ensure good communication, involvement of staff, and reward and recognition.

The following six phases should be included in a good change management plan:
1.    Communicating the need for change
2.    Key Stakeholders Involvement in creating the change
3.    Communicating the change to all stakeholders
4.    Developing implementation plan
5.    Designing communication strategies
6.    Creating a reward/recognition for change