For the last two decades, I have had the privilege of working closely with various organizations across diverse industries. One common thread that ties them all together is their desire to prepare for change. Indeed, many organizations invest time and effort into creating comprehensive plans, projects, roadmaps, and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) to smoothly transition through anticipated transformations. Not always, is the outcome successful or the road easy, but that is for an other article. What I’d like to address today is the equally significant aspect often overlooked: being ready for change, particularly when unforeseen external factors come into play. In this article, I will share my insights on the importance of governance and how organizations can build resilience to navigate unanticipated challenges with ease.
Preparing for Change vs. Being Ready for Change:
While preparing for change is undoubtedly crucial, it primarily revolves around setting the stage for deliberate transformations. Organizations diligently create strategies, gather data, engage stakeholders, and allocate resources to ensure successful outcomes. This structured approach – when planned and executed correctly - serves them well when delivering planned initiatives, such as market expansions, digital transformation, or process improvements.
However, in my experience, despite their adeptness in preparation, many organizations choke when confronted with unexpected disruptions. Consider the recent geopolitical upheaval with the war in Ukraine—an event that caught numerous businesses off guard. Organizations that lack the agility to swiftly respond to such unforeseen events may suffer adverse consequences and struggle to recover.
The Role of Governance in Being Ready for Change:
At the heart of being ready for change lies effective governance—a dynamic system that empowers organizations to adapt and thrive amid turbulence. Governance serves as the guiding compass that steers the organization's ship through uncharted waters. By focusing on several key elements, organizations can foster a culture of adaptability and resilience:
Agile Decision-making Frameworks:
Structure is not the enemy, and it does not matter what size is your organization, you need it! Robust governance structures ensure that decision-making processes are streamlined and responsive. Leaders must empower teams to act swiftly, making timely decisions even in the face of uncertainty. This approach allows the organization to navigate through unanticipated challenges with agility.
Transparent Communication Channels:
Your team members can feel when something is off, and it is always better for you to drive the narrative rather than letting rumours spread around like wildfire. Clear and transparent communication is paramount during times of change. Open channels of communication foster a sense of trust and alignment among employees, enabling them to stay informed and engaged in the organization's response to external events.
Encouraging Learning and Innovation:
I get it, everyone is busy with “fire fighting”, “keeping the boat afloat”, “making the quarter sales target”. However, organizations must encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This approach equips employees with the skills and knowledge required to adapt to changing circumstances, making them more resilient and resourceful in times of crisis.
Scenario Planning and Risk Management:
A proactive approach to scenario planning and risk management prepares organizations for potential challenges. By considering various plausible scenarios, leaders can develop contingency plans, reducing the impact of unexpected disruptions.
Conclusion:
As an change leader, I have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact of effective governance on an organization's ability to embrace change, both planned and unplanned. While preparation is essential for specific change initiatives, being ready for change provides organizations with the ability to navigate unanticipated challenges with confidence and resilience.
Embracing governance as a guiding principle not only enhances an organization's capacity to respond to unforeseen external factors, such as geopolitical crises, but also fosters a culture of adaptability and innovation. As we move forward into an increasingly uncertain future, it is the organizations with sound governance in place that will truly thrive amidst change. Contact me to learn more on to setup an effective governance structure in your organization.