Challenges of Change Management: Real Time Experience & Reflections

Change management is a unique, interesting and likeable process in any organization. I recently restructured an organization with a bigger goal of creating impact into the lives of people, though the team is small, consisting of 50 talented and vibrant people.

Education and Skill Development are the two key goals that are being met through this organization. When I was assigned to restructrure the organization, the formal structure, policies, processes and an integrated team were missing. I took over the challenge and started thinking about it.

I set the vision to scan through the existing set up, team and the way work was being carried out. I strategized in a way that I did not disturb the existing team. My strategy was revolving around the following important steps:

1. Engagement of the existing team, discuss with them the problems and challenges and provide them with an insight of a goal oriented set up.
2. Creating an Organization Structure where the existing team members were installed on the key positions.
3. Creating HR policies and processes.
4. Creating an accounting and financial management system.
5. Daily meetings, discussions and onboarding the team about various aspects where improvement was badly needed.
6. Creating ownership of the new policies, processes and procedures amongst the existing team and involving them to implement those policies and processes.

Things had started moving in the right direction. There were challenges at the same that were coming up slowly and gradually. Significant among those were:

1. Feeling of insecruity in few key individuals as they thought their positions were being taken away.
2. Feeling of deprivation and negativity.
3. Acceptance of the new structure, policies and processes.
4. Hiring new talent at the key positions.
5. Following the proceses and procedures in letter and spirit.
6. Slow progresss and implementation.
7. Attitude and behaviours

Nevertheless, commitment, consistency, compassion, commiseration are the values that need to be followed and taken seriously for any change management process. Such challenges are always there. But those bringing the change have to be patient, passionate, and perseverance to handle the change management process and ensure its implementation in the larger benefit of the stakeholders and the people.