Terry H. Hildebrandt

Business change comes in many varieties, yet most change types share one goal: to achieve a more productive, efficient, and adaptable organization. During changes — whether they are the result of a merger and acquisition, a technology implementation, or other large-scale change — people need visible leadership, ongoing, effective communication, and a cohesive effort toward building a sustainable structure.

Change is a constant in the world of business, and when faced with business change, leaders can respond in one of the following three ways: Do nothing and just hope it all works out. Manage it with a project plan from a cubicle or corner office. Lead the change with words and actions that support the future state.

When a leader leads by example, maintains interest, and holds the pedal to the metal to keep intensity and commitment at their highest levels, the rest of the organization usually picks up on it, and people increase their own belief in the change. Regardless of your role, you have a great opportunity to make change happen by simply making the change happen with your own leadership style first.

A SWOT analysis looks at an organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. If change isn’t easy, why in the world do you want to change in the first place? Pinpointing your need is the perfect way to start the change cycle. SWOT is a good tool to help leadership identify what areas need to change in order for the organization to thrive in the future and to help executives begin to frame the need for change.

How do you know if you need to enact any business changes? Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a big alarm that went off to let you know you need to change? Although that may seem like wishful thinking, you probably already have that big alarm button. Unfortunately, that alarm button may be lost in a swarm of e-mails, reports, and meetings.

You’ve heard that two is better than one; a cord of three can’t be broken; there’s no “I” in “team.” A team working together well is a beautiful thing. Here are a few of the best aspects of teamwork: Teams accomplish more than individuals. Someone reading this is rolling their eyes right now and saying, “I can do so much more when I don’t have to work with others.