How To Lead Through Change In a Company

Dear Carnegie Coach:

My company is going through a major restructuring and I’ve been chosen as one of the people to lead my department through the change. What are some things that I can do to help the department through these major changes.

Devorah

Dear Devorah,

When a company restructures it can be a very volatile time in the workplace. It is not an easy task to be one of the leaders during change. Employees usually have many questions and concerns about change and if these concerns aren’t answered it can lead to rumor and distrust. Here are some things that you can do to lead your department though change.

1) Be Honest – Always speak the truth.

2) Take responsibility – Don’t push off decisions made by the company. Take responsibility for the company you work for.

3) Always the positive first - When you are criticized or questioned, first identify what is positive with the question. Start your response with the positive and then answer to the criticism

4) Come prepared – Come prepared to answer questions every day. Even if you do not always know what questions or comments will arise, you can still prepare what you want to take the opportunity to say.

5) Listen – Listen to what your employees have to say, even if you can’t address their concerns it’s important that they be able to voice their questions and concerns.

If you answered “no” the skill of leadership can help you. It can put you in total control of your life and make your dreams a reality. It can move your career on to the fast track and bring you high levels of prestige.

Mordechai Welt

Performance Consultant

tel.0544-904-795

mordechai_welt@dalecarnegie.com