Review parts 1 through 15 for details and thinking, then utilize the Recipe for Change.
Part 1
I dare you to take the time to discover your own personal challenges to change. What are their roots? What feelings surface when changes come your way? How does it affect your thinking? Do you embrace change? Perhaps you run from change. First, you must examine your reaction to change. Then learn to overcome it.
Perhaps we need to reframe or redefine the word “change”. What about replacing the word change with “shift”? We have a shift in thinking, actions, philosophy, strategy, tactics, habits, direction, or in desire.
One step could be as simple as defining your “why”. If your why is strong enough, then you can overcome any obstacles in your pathway. Write it down and practice talking about it. Sell yourself first. Share it with other shop owners. Become totally convicted to make it happen, lay out a plan, and then execute the plan.
Expect push back from your staff, but don’t let your knees buckle. Stay firm and listen to their concerns. Expect turnover. Talk one-on-one with each staff member until you perceive buy-in. Explain your why, and afterward, ask them to support the change. When you feel the mood is right, and enough of your staff members are onboard, then execute the change.
The Recipe for Change
When you’re baking a cake, there are certain ingredients that are necessary for the cake to come out as planned. You need to follow a step by step procedure. Include all portions as described, mix as indicated, then cook for the optimum time and temperature. Any variation from the recipe may cause an incomplete and utter disaster! If you don’t follow the recipe, you will not get the results you were expecting.
When you’re leading your company and staff through change, a recipe would be very helpful, so here it is:
- You must be totally committed to the change (1 gallon)
- It must be well defined and written (1 pint)
- You must be willing to accept the push back and resistance (1 quart)
- Create the WHY story to sell to sell your staff (Five Pounds)
- Talk to them one-on-one (1 Tablespoon)
- Give them time to adjust mentally to the change (Let Marinate 1 week)
- Let them express their feelings (Snap-Crackle-Pop)
- Set a rollout date for the change to occur (Cook Time 10 Days)
- Have many training sessions before rollout (Mixing steps)
- Establish the change as a habit (Tasting the results)
This is a quick and simple recipe for change. Follow the ingredients and steps, and see what results you will achieve. Review parts 1 through 15 for more details and thinking.
Management is the formula.
Leadership is the essential catalyst.
You are the stick that stirs the ingredients.
