Often we search for that new technology that will "fix" all our problems. Once implemented, its expected that we no longer need to attend to whatever problem we were trying to solve, but can move on to something else. In reality the world continues to shift and change and even after implementing a new technology, service, or product there is a need to continue to revise and adapt to new situations. The IBM Institute for Business Value Study came out with an interesting report titled: Making Change Work. They pose that "No longer will companies have the luxury of expecting day-to day operations to fall into a static of predictable pattern that is interrupted only occasionally by short bursts of change...In reality, the new normal is continuous change - not the absence of change."
Their research suggests that companies that anticipate and effectively manage change outperform companies that anticipate change, but don't have ability to manage it. Many challenges encountered with change projects turn out to be people-oriented. Topping that list were changing mindsets and attitudes and corporate culture (see page 12 of the report for the complete list). Soft factors also turned out at the top of the list of factors for successful change. Top management sponsorship topped that list, with employee involvement coming in second (see page 13 of the report for the full list).
The article goes on to introduce and discuss the "Change Diamond," which was created to represent the characteristics of organizations that were successful at managing change. This diamond consists of four parts:
1. Right Investment, Right Impact
2. Real Insights, Real Actions
3. Better Skills, Better Change
4. Solid Methods, Solid Benefits
The report describes each of these areas in detail and provides suggestions in how companies can be successful in each area.
You can also take the quiz on page 36 to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your organization in each area of the Change Diamond.
Their research suggests that companies that anticipate and effectively manage change outperform companies that anticipate change, but don't have ability to manage it. Many challenges encountered with change projects turn out to be people-oriented. Topping that list were changing mindsets and attitudes and corporate culture (see page 12 of the report for the complete list). Soft factors also turned out at the top of the list of factors for successful change. Top management sponsorship topped that list, with employee involvement coming in second (see page 13 of the report for the full list).
The article goes on to introduce and discuss the "Change Diamond," which was created to represent the characteristics of organizations that were successful at managing change. This diamond consists of four parts:
1. Right Investment, Right Impact
2. Real Insights, Real Actions
3. Better Skills, Better Change
4. Solid Methods, Solid Benefits
The report describes each of these areas in detail and provides suggestions in how companies can be successful in each area.
You can also take the quiz on page 36 to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your organization in each area of the Change Diamond.
