Nothing really endures except change. Disregard those who say; “It’s been done before” or “It cannot be done!” All the more reason to do it again and do it better – conditions change.

          Management is about making things happen and this means making changes.

          Changes are seldom smooth. Powerful forces are at work to avoid changes. People who have done well under an old regime usually resent changes.

A handful of tips to help you promote a new idea

Nothing is more exciting than getting a new idea accepted and implemented – it gives one great satisfaction.

* GAIN SUPPORT

          New ideas won’t work unless you work hard to introduce them and gain support. Often gaining support can be the most difficult task.

          You need energy and enthusiasm to ‘sell’ a new idea, and good presentation skills to get them accepted. Timing is often important.

* LOOK For ALTERNATIVES

          Never kill a good idea. Look for alternative ways to make use of it.

          List possible alternative uses for consideration. These could be valuable, not only to day, but possibly in the future.

 * GIVE PEOPLE RESPONSIBILITY

          New ideas do not flourish in a conforming environment.

          Delegate decision-making down to where the action is.    Mistakes will be made but we learn best from our mistakes.

People are more successful in organisations where they are allowed to make a few mistakes and where they are listened to.

          They need a creative atmosphere where managers and workers accept and appreciate change. 

*  PROMOTE With PASSION

          Good ideas need champions with a zeal and a passion to promote them.

          They need people who are involved in the final decision and have an organization’s future in mind. 

* EMPHASIS  BENEFITS

          To get an idea accepted explain why changes are needed. Tell the stakeholders the benefits and present your case with energy and skill.

          Aim to make all changes improve the organisation, the products, the  services, the staff morale, and the profits – nobody said it’s easy!

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Changes can be an opportunity for people to contribute, learn and grow.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (www//mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as a hard copy and as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.