Change is a constantly evolving issue.
We face change every single day and, as managers, have the responsibility of guiding our teams through change unscathed.
In order to do so it is important to recognise that different types of change exist.
There are three types of change you need to be aware of, and these are:
- Developmental Change
- Transitional Change
- Transformational Change
Firstly, there is Developmental Change; this occurs when you recognise a need to make improvements to an existing situation.
You aren’t recreating the entire workflow but are instead refining it to make it better.
Secondly there is Transitional Change; this happens when you recognise the need to implement a completely new course of action.
You have a set plan for making this change happen and are able to control the implementation process over a designated period of time.
And finally you can experience Transformational Change.
This isn’t necessarily something that you control as much as you recognise and survive.
A new process or “norm” creates itself as a result of the failure of another and usually takes its own shape. You can, of course, refine it as it develops but it is not usually planned.
Being able to recognise the three types of change should help you to develop your own change management skills. If you can identify the type of change occuring in your workplace you’ll be better able to control the reactions your team members have to those changes!
Courtesy MTD
