Bold ideas: Managing change in turbulent times.

• Author: Fowler, Mark H.

Congratulations! You weathered 2001. You may be a little more battered, but who wasn't? Whether you had a banner year, or you found yourself mired in the global credential controversy, staffing shortages, layoffs, a merger or Sept. 11, every business across California and the nation is different now than it was a year ago. How does the old adage go? The only constant is change.

Your business' success depends on whether you approach change as an opportunity or a threat. Change offers an opportunity to make "course corrections" so your business can move forward. The opportunity to expand services, increase revenue, improve communications and enhance stability is a strategic planning windfall that promotes growth.

And as you embark on your next major transition, consider this bold, yet simple, idea: Some of your best allies are your own employees. This holds true whether the change you face is the death of an owner, a shift in generational management, the development of new products and services, new marketing and sales programs, a shift in corporate image, a financial or political crisis or even rapid expansion.

EMPOWER EMPLOYEES

The most important ingredient for successful change is employee involvement--their interest, active participation, energy, creativity, good nature and support are essential. And, to maximize the return on employee effort, it is fundamental that they are vested in the end result.

For example, my client was a CPA firm with three partners, all of whom were headed in different directions. As part of the change process, we conducted an employee survey. The results indicated that the employees were extremely interested in running the firm. We instituted an employee bonus program that allowed this to happen, and the result, after two partners left, was more business than ever for the partner and staff who remained. The new way of operating the firm empowered the employees while at the same time allowed the partner to navigate the ship rather than worry about every problem in the hold.

Employees can contribute new ideas to increase operational effectiveness, bond together to create an enhanced sense of teamwork, instill a new feeling of purpose and energy during a time of possible confusion and even chaos, and provide feedback on the change itself.

This holds true for all sorts of change scenarios such as implementing new information systems, realigning job responsibilities during downsizing (or expansion) and more.

When...