Change Management - PARTICIPATION - THE THIRD KEY

By Robert Bacal

Participation is the third key to the change process. When we speak of participation we are talking about employee opportunity to have input, and where possible, control, related to the change process which is to affect them. Apart from participation being critical to building commitment to a particular change, there is a side benefit. When changes are being considered it is often the people on the line that can point out why these changes might not be advisable, or, more importantly, how proposed changes can be improved so they will work.

Participation and input should be solicited (asked for, not demanded) as early as possible in that change process, and through implementation and evaluation.

TIPS FOR STRUCTURING PARTICIPATION:

1. ASK FOR INPUT
2. SERIOUSLY CONSIDER IT AND OBJECTIVELY EVALUATE IT.
3. USE THOSE IDEAS THAT ARE GOOD.
4. REJECT THOSE THAT AREN'T PRACTICAL.
5. GIVE CREDIT AND OTHER APPROPRIATE REWARDS TO THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED IDEAS THAT WERE USED.
6. CONVINCE THOSE WHOSE IDEAS WERE REJECTED THAT THEIR IDEAS WERE CONSIDERED, AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY WERE NOT USED.

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Other Managing Change Articles By Robert Bacal

Understanding The Cycle of Change, And How People React To It
The Importance of Leadership In Managing Change
Leading Those That Remain After Downsizing Or Job Loss
For Managers - How Constant Change Affects Managers And Wears Them Down And Out
Leadership, Communication & Change
Understanding The Seven Dynamics of Change