Making change work

As CEO of a company that specializes in change management, Tricia Emerson has seen more than her fair share of failed efforts to introduce change. Her team is dedicated to helping companies across the United States introduce change in an efficient and effective way. Along the way, she and her team put down lessons learnt along the way in a book called simply 'The Change Book'.

One of the most important things in making change effective is to frame the need for change in a meaningful way. Even if companies do justify the need, it's typically crafted for executives and not the broader organization. But to get support, there must be a shared understanding of the case for change, and a sense of urgency.

The reality is that transition between the old and the new is no fun. It's uncomfortable for people and what's more, it's inherently confusing. People are resistant to change and often seen it as a threat. When organizations announce a new change, most employees are likely to have an emotional reaction against it.