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In episode 116 of “The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast,” JoDee and Susan discuss change management with change experts Emmett Vollenweider and Delia Mallory.

Most businesses periodically struggle with change implementation, change acceptance, and change communication. It’s important to recognize that not everyone in an organization embraces change at the same time. JoDee and Susan discuss an Inc. article listing five reasons that people resist change.

Emmett Vollenweider joins the show to share what he’s learned from going through and leading change. First, it’s important to develop a plan, even if that plan may change. You have to have top down support for what you’re doing, and you need to get face to face with all levels of employees to relay the plan. Then, relentlessly measure results.

Giving people the opportunity to safely ask questions and offer feedback can lead to more buy in. Also, be cognizant of how much communication people are getting; it will increase the likelihood of effectiveness if they’re not getting bombarded with conflicting information and priorities.

Delia Mallory calls in to share her expertise as a certified change practitioner. First, have a compelling vision, and communicate the consequences if the change doesn’t happen. Get at least one executive sponsor, plus some “boots on the ground” sponsors and key stakeholders throughout the organization.

Many people downplay the importance of change management, but there are an array of skill sets that are important; it’s not just being good with people, but also skills like being collaborative, multitasking, a high level of integrity and trust, and persuasiveness. Timely, authentic, and creative messaging and communications is key. Your change management team and project team also need to work interdependently.

In this episode’s listener question, a listener asks about normal bereavement policies. In the news, the U.S. minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour for non-tipped staff and $2.13 for tipped employees, but stay vigilant on state and local minimum wage laws; most states are higher than federal minimum wage and many increased in 2021.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• “5 Reasons People Resist Change and What We Can Do About It”
• The JoyPowered® Shop
• Microsoft Project
• Delia on LinkedIn
• “Changing Change Management”

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