Effective Change Requires Successful Transition
Implementing change in training requires changes in processes, procedures, policies, and ultimately corporate culture.
As a result, it's important to understand the dynamics of change and transition. William Bridges, author of Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, emphasizes that, for an external change to be effective, employees must successfully internalize the change.
Change is External
The origin of change is external, usually viewed as an imposition, and can be quite scary. Change of any kind may actually be threatening to an employee. Change may require new expectations in expertise, knowledge and skills.
New expectations make anyone nervous. To one degree or other, we all worry that we may not be able to meet those new expectations. To overcome the fear of the new "unknown" it's important that we successfully transition.
Transition is Internal
For change to be successful, employees must transition internally to a new way of doing things. There must be a change in internal thinking as well as external action. It's important during this period of increased anxiety and confusion to communicate often with employees so they understand why the change is necessary. Employees must let go of the past, adapt, and accept what is new.
So what's the bottom line when it comes to change. Make sure you communicate the benefits of a change to increase the likelihood that employees will adopt the change. Don't just assume that the change has happened once it has been implemented. Remember, the number one reason we don't do what we should is because we don't know "why" it's important.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-6. How can you help ensure employees adopt changes to a training program?
You forgot to answer the question!