Change. This word makes a lot of people very uncomfortable. They associate it with breaking the well-known routine and getting out of their comfort zone. Change is a word that projects in the minds of many the sense of a challenge.
While a change in a personal level often means that you want to improve, to get better at something or solve a problem, which will make you happier, change when it comes to an organization often means that something has gone terribly wrong and immediate actions should be taken.
Change in a business level often leads to worry, in times even panic. The words “Our organization is starting a transformation” rarely makes the leadership, the employees and the investors say “YES!”.
The same is true for startup founders. When running a startup, entrepreneurs face unavoidable and accelerating transformations on daily basis. It is a matter of self-discipline, control and focus to be able to stay calm and in control while facing change in different levels.
Change doesn’t always have to be hard if you know how to handle it. BCG’s Jim Hemerling outlines five simple ways that can help you lead successfully in the era of constant change that we live in, which have one thing in common – putting people first.
Inspire through purpose – the transformation needs to communicate to the employees of the organization a deeper sense of purpose.
Go all in – think about driving growth and achieving results in the long run. Make investments into the development not only of the leadership but of the company’s talent.
Provide capabilities – your employees will need an access to different resources to be able to go through the process of transformation. Provide them with the different capabilities and tools for the purpose.
Nurture a culture of continuous learning – Create a company culture that puts the power of constant learning and development in first place.
Directive and inclusive leadership – the leaders need to have a vision, to set clear goals with distinctive milestones, to hold people accountable for the results they bring.
