MBA755 - Reflections on Module 6 Concepts

a) What is it that appears to make implementation of a renewal strategy so difficult?

A renewal strategy is difficult because it is taking a company that has been used to a certain way of doing things and changing those things. It is a common fact that many, if not most, people do not like change, or resist change. When an organization is trying to change itself, not just one person or one department, just imagine the amount of effort must be put forth. All the right stakeholders must be on board with the renewal strategy in order for the revitalization to happen. What if one person disagrees or doesn't think the strategy will work? The amount of weight that is put on the person or group trying to make the change is enormous.

b) Which of the identified implementation pitfalls have you oberved in your own experience with organizations?

The main thing I see is lack of follow-through and communication. For example, the leader(s) may say things like we are going to change the way the company operations. We are going to consolidate departments and operating segments and merge our systems together to work as one - this has been the most recent statement I've heard. However, this was 2 months ago and I have yet to hear anything further. I've participated in several meetings in which the strategy was to renew the organization, but the meetings were often dull, boring, and lacked participation from the group. No one knew what to do or to say. We could only agree that change needed to be made, we just didn't know how to change.

c) How did the pitfalls impact the overall outcome of the change implementation?

In my experience, change did not happen. In my current situation I have not heard any follow-up nor was there any indication that change was about to happen. I think we lack the direction and leadership needed to make any significant changes right now, no matter how hard we want the organization to become alive again.

d) What elements of the implementation process seem particularly relevant to your own experience?

In my own experience I would say that managing operating procedures are most relevant. With this I mean making sure policies and procedures are updated on a regular basis and that they match with the new renewal strategy. In addition, I have been responsible for gaining support and motivation for my own employees. These are the employees that would actually be implementing any new policies and procedures. Many of the employees are hourly and do not necessarily have an opportunity to speak to the top executives of an organization, so I serve as as sort of communication liasion for them.

e) How does communication fit into implementation planning?

Communication is everything! If the organization is expected to be renewed, it will need all of its resources and departments to follow-through and without communication they will not know what they are expected to do. Communication is also a good way to get the employees motivated about upcoming changes and renewal efforts. Communication will link the entire plan together - in today's organizations there are so many channels to communicate that to not communicate is almost impossible.

f) Which aspects of change theory seem particularly useful during renewal implementation? Why do you think so?

I would say that all aspects are useful in renewing an organization and throughout the implementation process. I think one of the best is to design supportive reward systems. There are going to be bumps and bruises along the path to renewal, so it is important to make sure that the organization is constantly rewarding thos personnel that are doing an excellent job - this will only further encourage others to do the same, or weed out those that do not want to be part of the renewal effort.


g) What could you do differently as a result of your learning in implementing change in your own organization?

I would definitely encourage more communication and follow-through. I think when change is wanted, there needs to be a more definitive plan - not just a few people stating that the organization needs help and something needs to be done. It means more than a few key individuals gathering in a conference room to say "I want to see..." "what about...?" etc. Questions need answers and this is what I need to keep on top of.

My simple answer - and probably most effective - is to ask questions! Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions!!!...and communication!