Change - More Than a New Construction

A popular instrument to achieve change is the introducing of a new construction. A new construction can be anything like a new building, a new product, a new system or even a new law. The organization of a hospital is often changed after the construction of a new building. The building will be designed with the newest technology and employees are thought to automatically adapt themselves to this new environment.

A new computer system falls also in the category of a new construction. In the same (hospital) environment, the introduction of Electronic Patient Files will streamline much of the organization, but it is no guarantee that it will solve (all) the problem related to the Patient Files. One of the questions is when dealing with such a change (by the introduction of a new construction) is whether everybody will use it. If a single group of employees “boycotts” the use than the whole organization will not reap the benefits. And the change will fail.

Such introductions will often raise resistance from employees who will be frightened to loose their job or status.

Therefore, to guide the change, the introduction of the new construction requires additional attention and focus on culture to change the habits around the construction in the organization. In the hospital environment, the introduction of the system should be constantly guided with support so that it will be used. Including measures to prevent the use of the old-habits.

Another example where a new construction will not automatically lead to a change in habits is the deployment of a new bicycle track on a public boulevard near the sea. An example that is simple and striking because it’s use and misuse is hardly to cover-up. In this specific example the bicycles are associated with foreign culture and the construction – the new bicycle track – is a symbol of change that raises resistance amongst the local citizens.

This is noticeable when you observe the use of the track. It is used for bicycles but many people use it as a walking path too. Whether this is deliberately to boycott the new track or more unconscious that people are not used to a special track for bicycles only remains unclear.

But the example shows exactly how changes are (not) managed when a project is limited to the construction only. In this case the lack of police control will make that the change will take too long to fulfill.

A new construction is a solid vehicle to provoke a change. But to really change peoples behavior you cannot rely on the construction only...except for a limited number of constructions, like the bridge: once you build a new one to connect to previously separated areas, people will start to use it without additional support is required... But this is only the exception.

© 2007 Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White or sign-up for our newsletter.

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More Members Now Are You Making These 5 Fatal Mistakes?

Business owners slowly kill their own business by making small fatal flaws. They don't mean to do it. In fact, it was all in the process of trying to help their members. Are you guilty of making any of these fatal flaws?

1. Undervaluing their services. Many business owners feel that lower membership dues mean more clients. This may be true if you are looking to lease a car, or are comparing apples to apples. More often lower prices scare customers away from your business. Clients are looking for the best possible service for their dollar. Would you want a discount doctor, or lawyer, or would you want the job done right the first time?

2. Not providing proper value and recognition. The most important part of your business is your customer. Most of your effort must be focused on providing maximum value to your customer. Continually upgrade your education in your field, add services and benefits to your customers, seek dynamic partnerships. Do whatever you can to serve you clients. Remember, you would be lonely without them.

3. Not setting proper boundaries. As Business Owners, our clients sometimes become almost part of our families. Make sure that you set the appropriate boundaries between your personal life and your professional life. Letting your clients cross that line can lead to serious complications in your business. You could lose clients simply by personal life actions that they don’t want to be associated with in their business. Your clients will judge your personal life, whether you like it or not. The simple solution, your business clients are business, and your personal life can be an enigma.

4. Letting your customers have too much of an opinion on your business. Clients will believe that as your customer they have a right to an opinion on your business. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not telling you to be rude to your clients, but there is a difference between a survey and an opinion. Be polite and hear out your clients. They truly care about your business, they want to belong, and they want to feel important. The most important lesson is to have a strong enough commitment to you plan of action that your customers see that you are dedicated to a specific direction and that you appreciate them, but know what you are doing. Keep your clients involved by routinely surveying your clients to find out what they really want from your business.

5. Let your customer know too much about your business. If business is slow, if your are fighting red ink, or if you are preparing to buy the new Mercedes, your customer does not need to know that unless that is important to serving your clients. I recently visited a website where a business owner posted a history of their business including that they took it over after the business failed a couple of times. I wasn’t encouraged to join.

Gaining a client is one of the most difficult tasks in business. Make sure that you don’t have to repeat the cycle more often than your need to.

The Business Coach Peter Townshend helps small business owners find success and balance. Find more articles and solutions at http://www.businesscoachpeter.com

Peter values your opinions, he discusses and shares you opinions with his Inner Circle membership and invites you to join them, or email them at business-coach-peters-inner-circle@googlegroups.com

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