In this article, we get 10 minutes with the founder of the Mindset Indicator Monitor, Stephen McCann and ask him some insightful questions.
Q 1: Is change inevitable? Yes, change is inevitable. The world is constantly changing, and organisations must adapt to these changes to remain relevant and successful. This could be changes in technology, market trends, customer preferences, and many other factors. In today's rapidly evolving business environment, organisations that are unable or unwilling to change are at risk of becoming obsolete or losing market share to more innovative and agile competitors. Change can be complex and challenging, but it can also bring new opportunities and growth. By embracing change and continuously learning and adapting, organisations can remain competitive and position themselves for long-term success.
Q2: Do people react to change differently? Yes, absolutely, we are all different, and that is what makes us unique and exciting. So, yes, people react to change differently. Some individuals embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, while others may resist change and feel uncertain or even threatened by it. Factors such as personality, past experiences, job security, and cultural background can all play a role in how individuals react to change. Some people may be more open to new experiences and willing to take risks, while others may prefer stability and the comfort of familiar routines. It's crucial for organisations to understand and appreciate the diversity of individual reactions to change and to provide support and resources to help employees navigate through the process. This could include communication and transparency, training and development opportunities, and a positive and supportive organisational culture that values continuous learning and growth. In our experience, many organisations don’t put any value on this, and as a result, many are very poor at executing change, and their people and customers feel the full impact of this.
Q3: Do organisations have a responsibility to help their colleagues through change? Yes, they do. Organisations have a responsibility to help their colleagues through change. Change can be complex and challenging, and it's essential for organisations to provide support and resources to help employees navigate through the process. When organisations are undergoing change, it can be stressful for their colleagues, who may be uncertain about their role, their future, or the impact on their work. By providing support and resources, organisations can help employees manage the transition and minimise any negative consequences. This takes effort, planning, time and resources, and that is where it can break down as many don’t see this as value- some even “ say how hard can it be”….
Q4: How can organisations help their employees through change?
1. Communicating openly and transparently:
Organisations should communicate clearly and regularly with employees about the reasons for change, the timeline, and what is expected of them. This helps to reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Providing training and development opportunities:
Organisations can provide training and development opportunities to help employees acquire new skills and knowledge needed to adapt to the change.
3. Creating a positive and supportive culture:
Organisations can make a positive and supportive culture that values continuous learning and growth and provides employees with a sense of security and stability during times of change.
4. Encouraging employee involvement and feedback:
Organisations can encourage employee involvement and input during the change process, which can help employees feel valued and engaged.
This is where the Mindset Indicator Monitor can play its vital role. When we know who is open or closed to change, we can then devise a change strategy based on an individual's personal attitude to change.
Doing this saves time, resources and money as not all colleagues require the same levels of support and, equally as important, helps execute the change with more ease, less effort and more success.