We are living in a world of constant, accelerating change. Organizations must continually adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Companies that were once leaders fell by the wayside because they failed to innovate at a pace necessary to keep up with customers’ needs. Despite this, “more than 70% of needed change either fails to be launched, fails to be completed, or finishes over budget, late and with initial aspirations unmet” (Harvard Business Review). Hence why the ability to incorporate big changes, while driving results, is a much-sought-after competency. Proficiency in change management is a skill set quality professionals must possess to stay relevant.
As quality professionals, we always need to be prepared for change. Whether we are dealing with a planned initiative, a volatile industry, or an unexpected situation such as a pandemic, change is inevitable. Leaders, middle managers, and individual contributors can all future proof their careers by learning these skills. Following are key concepts to successfully manage change, and proactively support change initiatives led by others.