New technology, combined with a bit of common sense, can streamline change initiatives.
There are numerous well-known methodologies for change management. They are based in logic, and historically they’ve worked to affect change.
However, the way we communicate as individuals and organizations has completely shifted in response to technology. Methods to enact change have advanced.
Continuous crowdsourcing platforms allow organizations to reimagine their vision of success and realign accordingly. Giving everyone a voice allows us to effectively lead change. We are more enabled than ever before to not just listen, but to respond.
Let’s face it, if leaders ask for employee feedback but never respond to it, they might as well not ask at all. Ignoring feedback causes irritation, distrust, and ultimately sends the message that you don’t care about what your employees have to say.
Progressive leaders understand they don’t have all the answers. They surround themselves with diverse group of talent, and then listen to and respond to their insights in order to drive their organization forward. Conversations about change aren’t limited to an inside group that a leader is close to. In a listening culture, everyone is invited to participate, and their shared purpose allows the group to thrive.
In an era of constant digital disruption, it’s vital to remain agile and responsive, but also human. People are every organization’s most important resource, and their insights are a valuable advantage.
Feedback platforms function best when leaders can enact the following steps for change consistently and continuously.
Identify areas within your organization that could benefit from change. Perhaps you’ve noted something that exists within a small subset of the workforce, or a larger systematic trend. Pick one area that you’d like to optimize, and ask a question that will empower you with unique insights you don’t already know.
Once you’ve received feedback, respond to let everyone know you’ve heard the key points your people have identified. Pay attention to not only the common trends within the answers you receive, but also to outlying comments that will shed light on less common viewpoints.
Transformation does not happen all at once. Small and incremental change will be noticed and appreciated. The more you share your vision for the future of the organization, the stronger the sense of collective buy-in. This connection boosts productivity, increases retention, and creates a positive and motivated workforce.
After action has been taken, reach out once again to acknowledge the key areas that have been changed, and future actions being put in place. Reaffirm your commitment to continuous feedback, and therefore your commitment to continuous change.
Waggl makes navigating change easier than it’s ever been before. Disruption does not need to be an obstacle to our progress. Acknowledging and embracing our evolving communication landscape helps us to create agile organizations that thrive in the face of it.
Interested in learning more about creating a listening culture inside your organization? Get in touch to learn more about Waggl.
