How can you maintain momentum for change in a restructured organization?

Imagine a restaurant that restructures by introducing a new menu, changing suppliers, and reorganizing staff roles. After these changes, the restaurant owner would look at sales numbers, customer reviews, and even talk to employees to understand how these changes have impacted the business. Did profits go up? Are customers happy with the new menu? Are employees comfortable with their new roles? You might also want to consider the psychological and cultural aspects when assessing the impact. Changes can affect team morale and the overall company culture, which might not be immediately visible in numbers or initial feedback but can have long-term consequences.

Let's consider a tech startup that just pivoted its business model from being a B2C service to a B2B one. After analyzing the impact, the CEO holds a town-hall meeting where she shares the results of the pivot—like increased revenue or new partnerships. She also highlights challenges, such as customer churn or technical difficulties. Finally, she reiterates why the company had to pivot to align better with market demands and the company's strengths. Good communication doesn’t stop at broadcasting the information. It's a two-way street; encourage questions and discussions. Also, different departments may need different types of information, so consider tailoring your message to various internal audiences for better resonance.

Let's say a software company rolls out a new update with a feature that users have been asking for. After the release, they find out through customer reviews that the feature is confusing to use. The company then quickly iterates on the design based on this feedback and releases a new, more user-friendly version. This would be an example of effectively adapting to feedback to maintain momentum for change. Surveys, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, or even observing user behavior can provide invaluable insights. Also, acting on feedback should be timely. The quicker you adapt, the more you show your stakeholders that you're serious about their input.

Think about a retail company that decides to adopt a new inventory management system. The company doesn't just install the software and hope for the best. Instead, they hold training sessions for employees, provide how-to guides, and have IT support available for questions. This ensures that the employees are ready and confident to use the new system effectively, which in turn benefits the customers and stakeholders. It's not just about skill sets; it's also about managing anxiety and resistance that often accompany changes. Effective communication, perhaps through regular check-ins or open forums, can provide emotional and psychological support, too.

A newly restructured organization is engulfed in emotions that make it difficult to maintain the momentum and direction of change. The downsizing and structural changes associated with restructuring efforts generate strong emotions at all levels of the organization, which can either halt planned actions or redirect them in unforeseen ways. Before initiating the restructuring, it is critical to have a strategy to manage the organization’s energy and have the support of consultants who are experts in handling emotions and creating positive energy. Once the negative energy of the restructuring effort has been channeled into positive energy it becomes relatively easy to follow the project plan and maintain momentum for the rest of the journey.

Let's consider a tech company that just migrated to a more scalable cloud infrastructure. The transition was tough, requiring extra hours and intense focus from the IT team. After successful completion, the CEO holds a small party, gives shout-outs, and bonuses to the team members involved. This not only boosts their morale but also makes them more committed to future projects. Recognition is most effective when it's immediate and specific. A generic "good job" three months later won't have nearly the impact of specific praise delivered in the moment.

Here's how: 1. Celebrate small victories along the way. These wins show progress, boost morale, and fuel motivation for the bigger goals. 2. Clear Communication: Don't let confusion stall progress. Keep everyone informed, address concerns openly, and ensure everyone understands the "why" behind the changes. 3. Empower Champions: Identify and empower enthusiastic employees who champion the change. Their positive energy is contagious and keeps the momentum going. 4. Focus on Benefits: Remind everyone why this change matters. Highlight the positive impact on the organization and individual careers. 5. Adaptability is Key: Restructuring can reveal new challenges. Be flexible and adjust strategies as needed to ensure the new structure thrives.