I read a great article on Change Management (Read It) this morning.  I will be using principles from it most definitely in leadership training programs that I conduct from now on. The point of the article is that the managers of companies are always excited to implement change, but rarely does that change  become sustained. It usually leads to a period of excitement, and then a reverting back to old habits. One of the main reasons she said this happens is because of a lack of focus on the “soft” side of change implementation. There is a heavy focus on the “hard” items, which are the things that are done to actually implement change. The “soft” things would be caring for employees, involving them in the process, giving them the tools they need, making sure they are motivated and rewarded, keeping them in the loop, and helping them see the reason for the change. I think the point the author makes of making a bigger deal of day to day performance is excellent. Only pointing out “big-splashes” could really decrease any motivation employees have to implement change. But if they feel like their efforts will be rewarded, and if the management makes them acutely aware of how their actions play a key role in the success of the company (and why it is in their best interest do so ), change will most definitely come.

Check out the article. It is really informative….especially for managers. However, I also feel like ANY employee of ANY company could benefit from reading this because it will help employees realize some of the struggles faced in management, and may help employees to be patient as change is implemented.