Process to impact
No matter the stage you are at in your Job Life Cycle overcoming challenges by implementing change projects (even in the smallest of small contexts) is high value to any organisation. Examples of changes people share in my workshops include:
New recruitment processes for attracting talent to their team
Niche skill development for a sector of their staff
How meetings can be run so they are more productive
New communication agreements with external stakeholders
Implementing a checklist
Changing/amending roles and responsibilities
Investing in a new company wide software system
Enacting change tends to negatively impact challenges we are facing from day-to-day. Coming up with an idea is the easy part. Gaining an informed point of view showing an idea is a good one is a little harder. But, getting other's to buy-in and invest in your idea is the hardest.
Taking a considered and deliberate approach to proposing change projects gives us credence as well as confidence - vital when pitching to anyone senior.
My observation of executing a 'new idea' looks something like this...
Sense - observe, identify, define, and understand the challenge
Experiment - set up low-stakes and controlled environments where you can play with your idea
Iterate - tweak and update your idea as little wins and losses occur
Proof of Concept - harvest the data proving it is a good idea
Pitch to the Boss - put it forward as an idea to roll out throughout your team/location/affiliate/organisation
Activate - work with your colleagues and senior staff to plan and execute the idea. Continue to evolve it as new and varied experiences come up
Mentor - support and work with colleagues to ensure they use your initiative successfully
Pitch to Your Boss' Boss - present to the Powers That Be to gain sign off for rolling out to the wider business
(Note - if you are the boss then it is the board or your clients or even your staff - there is always someone to pitch to)
I have been supporting people through this process for many years and still do. I see it as a pathway most dedicated motivated professionals are looking to pursue to gain Progress, Success, Impact, Achievement... whatever label suits.
Every time you create an initiative and roll it out you are adding significant value and showcasing your indispensability. I see this as a vital aspect to professional life where much of the work ethic needs to be applied for us to utilise our business resources. There is friction in (and between) every step.
The comment I often get to this is, "Geeze, that's a lot to do!" Closely followed by, "I don't have time for all of that. I need to get things done now. I need results now!"
Legitimate problems. Common too. And the answer is as uncomfortable as the problem itself - what are you wasting your time/energy/focus on?
Professionals of all kinds are being pulled into emergencies and responsibilities which fill their days. Willingly in a lot of cases. This saps our power, agency and impact.
Know the process. Stick to the process. And, repeat. It has proven to be a resilient intension and one worth practicing (particularly when imperfect) to build the empowerment required to truly lead through change.
