While serving as training manager at BorgWarner Chemicals, I learned a very effective process for managing change efforts. When change was proposed or needed, a number of internal facilitators met with small groups on all shifts. We described the change to come and listened to their concerns, answered those concerns we could and gathered on a flip chart those that needed further research.
Marvin Weisbord in his book, Productive Workplaces, lists a series of guidelines to help employees during major change.
Weisbord's Change Management Guidelines are very similar to the process we used at BorgWarner. As a result, our employees felt more powerful and in control. Information during chaotic times is the best medicine to stabilize morale and enhance feelings of ownership of concerns and solutions.
R. Glenn Ray, Ph.D., is the president of RayCom Learning. To learn more about Ray's new book, "Tons of Stone above my head: Coal Mining Stories with Leadership Lessons," visit his Web, site www.raycomlearning.com. Everyday Leadership appears each Wednesday on the Business page.
