What do you find more compelling when asked to jump on board with change – an email with your assigned change implementation tasks and due dates, or a one-on-one conversation with your boss to understand the personal implications of the impending change?
Conversations are key to leading successful change. Think of something you have aimed to change – at work or in your personal life – how many conversations did it take to finally make the change (and conversations with yourself count!)?
Here are three of the best conversations to engage in when leading change:
- The Why Conversation – identifying the compelling reason to make change is the starting point to gaining commitment from others.
- Why change?
- Why change now?
- What will be better or different because of this change?
- The Impact Conversation – understanding people’s perceptions of the impact of change enables you to capitalize on enthusiasm or identify ways to bring people on board.
- What will our team need to do differently due to the change?
- What are the benefits of this change?
- What is ending due to this change?
- The Personal Change Journey Conversation – reflecting on your past experiences with change will uncover your approach to dealing with, and leading, change.
- What prompted the change?
- What did you perceive you would lose from the change?
- What convinced you to ultimately commit to the change?
This is just a flavour of three of the twenty conversations outlined in my book Talking Change: Must-Have Conversations for Successful Leaders. The key is to start talking – with people, not at people.
Change takes many conversations. Some will be easy; some will be hard. From each one you will learn something new and be one step closer to successful change. Enjoy your conversations!
IMPROVE YOUR CHANGE GAME
Are you managing or supporting a change initiative? Take the Leading Change for Project Managers course to build your confidence, skills, and toolbox to plan and manage change with ease.
Are you leading a team through change – whether you chose the change or not? Bring the AIM Changer program to your organization – it will change the way you lead forever.