DRIVING THE GOLDEN SPIKE Five Steps to Implement Change

In working with financial institutions, I have learned that identifying problems is not difficult. In most cases, finding the solution is not difficult either. But when it comes to implementing a solution, things get complicated in a hurry! So much so, that it is not uncommon for obvious, simple solutions to never be implemented. How can this be? There must be a way to implement change.

The track on a railroad, also known as the permanent way, . . . enables trains to move by providing a dependable surface for their wheels to roll upon. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_tracks.

Before the train can begin its journey, it must have tracks to travel upon. Senior management must make it clear to employees, from top to bottom, that it has laid the track for the wheels of change to roll upon. Fixing a problem requires change and no one likes change. Change is hard. Without the unequivocal and unwavering support of senior management, change is not possible.

A derailment occurs when . . . a train runs off its rails . . . resulting in temporary [or permanent] disruption of the proper operation of the railway system. Usually, the derailment of a train can be caused by a collision with another object, an operational error, the mechanical failure, [or] deliberate derailment . . . https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derailment

No one sees themself as the villain. Some employees may think they are slowing the process to keep the train on the tracks. Some may switch the tracks thinking that a different track will get the train where it needs to go. Some are afraid that the tracks will lead to their last stop and they are not ready for the trip to end. Senior Management must constantly and consistently ensure everyone that the track they are on is the right one. This is where an effective, comprehensive communication program becomes essential.

When operating push–pull, the train can be driven from either the locomotive or the alternative cab. If the train is heading in the direction in which the locomotive end of the train is facing, this is considered 'pulling'. If the train is heading in the opposite direction, this is considered 'pushing.' https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push%E2%80%93pull_train

Whether pushing or pulling, it is important to remember that the train is heading in one direction - the right one. Effective collaboration between senior management and the front line is essential to success. Creating a cross functional team is an effective strategy to implement change in a comprehensive way.

A locomotive or engine . . . provides the motive power for a train. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotive.

The power to effect change comes from the individuals who make up the institution. Everyone must have a vested interest in making positive change.

Cabooses provide shelter for crew . . . keeping a lookout for . . . damage. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caboose.

Implementing change is something to be proud of, but in order for it to be sustained it is vital for the institution to evaluate and test how employees are responding to it and how it is impacting the institution.

The Last Spike was . . . the final spike driven . . . to join the rails of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States . . . the term last spike has been used to refer to one driven at the . . . completion of any project. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_spike.

Once (1) the track has been laid; (2) derailment has been anticipated; (3) everyone is pushing and pulling in the right direction; (4) the locomotive is fully powered; and (5) the caboose reports that all systems are a go, the project is complete. The last spike has been driven. The Last Spike, also known as the Golden Spike, must be driven early and often for an institution to achieve sustained greatness. Laying the tracks is arduous work and the journey is challenging, but once the train builds up a head of steam, it is difficult to stop.