Change is challenging and rewarding work. We’ve collected these 20 leadership tips for change managers, so you can get better results from your next change initiative.
Technically speaking, change managers aren’t change leaders.
But we all know that the real world isn’t so cut and dry.
Sometimes change managers must wear a few hats, lead change, and drive success.
Regardless of your job title, these leadership tips will help your next change program run more smoothly and get better results.
Top 20 Leadership Tips for Change Managers
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication is essential.
On the one hand, it ensures that everyone understands the vision for change.
On the other, it removes barriers between you and the staff – preventing feelings of alienation and besiegement.
2. Lead from the Ground
In the same vein, hands-on involvement helps your staff feel like they are part of the change.
Lead by example, rather than from behind a keyboard, podium, or screen.
3. Be Creative and Invite Innovation
Innovative thinking is essential in today’s workplace.
Not just in product development, but also inside the organization itself.
But don’t go it alone – invite creative solutions from everyone. This approach will give you a wider idea pool to draw on. It will also reduce resistance and boost participation.
4. Make It Fun
Boredom is a killer.
Gallup found that 87% of employees worldwide are disengaged at work.
And Udemy found that bored employees are 2.5 times more likely to quit.
Think of creative ways to engage employees, by highlighting personal benefits and gamifying your program.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Delegate
Another way to increase participation is through delegation.
It also makes your job easier, for the simple reason that you don’t have to do as much.
6. Be Passionate
A bored leader isn’t worth following.
Demonstrate passion, and communicate that through example.
As an old writing adage goes, “Show, don’t tell.”
7. Reward Early, Reward Often
Without rewards, motivation can plummet quickly.
After all, change is difficult and time-consuming. And people often resist change.
Rewards show progress, provide motivation, and increase morale.
8. Accountability Is Key
If all of your leadership tactics are positive, then there’s a good chance nothing will get done.
Balance is key.
Accountability – holding people accountable for results and goals – is essential to that end.
9. Gain Support from the Outset
Support from business leaders and ground-level workers is vital.
Without support, one cannot really call him or herself a leader, can they?
20. Be Persistent
Giving up should be a last resort.
Whether it comes to the change programs itself or individual interactions with staff, persist until you achieve your goals.
11. Be Humble
People cannot feel close to someone on a pedestal.
Step down from the podium, demonstrate your humanity, and be vulnerable.
Express empathy and listen.
This will boost empathy and support.
12. Develop Your Own EQ and IQ
As a leader or manager, EQ is essential.
However, so is IQ.
Balance these two – work on your soft skills and maintain a lifelong education in your discipline.
13. Don’t Overextend
Don’t bite off more than you can chew or promise goals you can’t achieve.
If anything, you want to overdeliver on your promises.
Overextension will produce the opposite result, cutting down on people’s confidence in you.
14. Stay Agile
Today’s economy is driven by innovation, technology, and change.
Create a plan for your change initiative, but be responsive.
Make allowances for change and even create processes for changes.
15. Invite Full Participation Beforehand
As mentioned above, participation reduces friction and resistance.
Communicate often about your plans, but don’t stop there.
Invite participation in decision-making before go-live. Regardless of how much weight you give this input, record feedback and use it to inform your decisions.
16. Optimize Your Program as You Go
Feedback, input, and analytics can tell you what needs fixing.
But don’t wait till the end – optimize as you go.
Doing so can increase your program’s results and provide valuable information for your next program.
17. Know When to Quit
Also, know what to cut.
Persistence is the hallmark of true achievers.
However, if you don’t quit when it’s the right time, you risk overextension.
18. Use Cutting-Edge Technology
Digitally mature organizations are more successful.
From project management solutions to change management software, you should be using every tool at your disposal.
It will enhance results, make your life easier, and increase your competitive advantage.
19. Enlist a Team of Champions
Change champions are delegated change leaders within departments or teams.
This cross-disciplinary team of “mini-leaders” will serve as examples to drive your change program forward.
20. Improve Yourself Continually
Kaizen is a way of thinking that’s based on continual improvement.
It was developed by Toyota, but then became adopted by organizations around the world.
Effective leaders stay competitive by continually improving themselves and their business endeavors.
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WalkMe Team
WalkMe spearheaded the Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) for associations to use the maximum capacity of their advanced resources. Utilizing man-made consciousness, AI, and context-oriented direction, WalkMe adds a powerful UI layer to raise the computerized proficiency, everything being equal.