Helping Others Facilitate Change

Have you ever worked with a client or an organization that was afraid of change? They knew fundamentally that they had no other option, but because of their fear, they were constantly resisting change.

One thing is for certain, if you’re doing business today change isn’t a discussion point, it’s part of the ecosystem. Being able to function as a guide, can be beneficial to those that are following you into the wild, wild, west.

Just because someone may be able to set up a social profile doesn’t make them a guru. Clients are looking for guides that have been there before. Individuals, agencies, media groups etc, that have paved a path for their client base to follow behind.

Here are a few ideas that can help facilitate change.

1. Goals
The key to facilitating change is having a destination or goal in mind. You’re not just wandering off into the abyss, but you have a course and process that you have mapped out.

2. Manage Expectations
The toughest challenge for change agents can be managing expectations. The secret can be found in constant communication. There will be times that you’ll have to say the same thing more than once and more than one way. A successful guide has a way of silencing the fear factor as they move closer to the goal.

3. Highlight Benefits
Often times in the process it’s common to want to return to what’s familiar, being able to highlight the purpose and the benefits can aid in keeping the process on track.

4. Outline possible negativity
Part of honest communication is outlining potential pitfalls. Every project or new initiative will face challenges that weren’t part of the plan. Again, communication will be key.

5. Remind them of the goals, again
Every call, email, status update should first start with the goal. It reminds the fearful and those that are slow to get on board, where we’re going, why we’re doing it, and how we’re going to get there.

6. Make consistent movements forward
For some organizations it may seem like you’re trying to turn the Titanic, but constant,consistent and measurable movement will be pertinent if you’re going to reach your goal.

As technology continues to change and marketing strategies evolve, being able to function as a guide will put you ahead of your competition.

What are you doing to monitor trends and help facilitate change?

image credit: David Reece

Related posts:

1. Building Your Creative Production System
2. How to Cope with Resistance