You can't run a business without expecting change to come around and knock you off your feet every once in a while. Market disruptions, growth opportunities, and an influx of new ideas can mean sudden, at times jarring shifts in the direction of a company. As business owners, how can we make these changes go smoothly with the smallest amount of disruption in our workflow?
Since change is vital to growth and success, but it can be difficult for employees to adjust when it happens so quickly, here are 4 ways to keep your business on the ready:
1. Technologies change and businesses change.
Sometimes they happen faster than we’d like — and faster than we can adapt. It can be stressful. But there are strategies you can implement with your team in those moments when things start to move at a breakneck pace.
2. Keep everyone in the loop.
When change hits, stress levels can go through the roof. This stress can be tempered when you keep everyone in the loop. Everyone needs to know what is going on, and they also need to know that their feedback is being heard.
3. Define the future.
As things change around you, one of the best things you can do is define your vision of the future. You need to know where you’re going and how changes, in whatever form they take, are going to affect you and the business. What is your purpose?
4. Facilitate learning.
This is crucial, especially as you introduce new technologies, systems or processes into the mix. You don’t want to leave anyone behind. You want to make sure everyone has everything they need to come up to speed. Management needs to fully support their team.
Inc., 10/16/2019.