Change is inevitable in today’s fast-paced world, and teams often face significant challenges when navigating through periods of transition. Whether it’s a shift in strategy, restructuring, or adapting to new market demands, getting traction during change is crucial for maintaining productivity and morale. Here are some key strategies for supporting teams to find their footing and thrive during times of change.
1. Communicate Openly and Frequently
One of the most important strategies for supporting teams during change is clear and frequent communication. According to research by McKinsey, organizations that communicate effectively during times of change are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. Make sure to communicate not just the “what” and “when” but also the “why” behind the changes. Open channels for feedback and questions, and provide regular updates to keep everyone informed. This transparency helps to build trust and reduces the anxiety that often accompanies change.
2. Empower Team Members with Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Change can often lead to confusion regarding roles and responsibilities. To help teams gain traction, ensure that everyone understands their role in the new landscape. Clarify expectations and provide a roadmap for how each role contributes to the overall objectives. This sense of clarity allows team members to focus on their tasks with confidence, reducing the stress and uncertainty that change can bring.
3. Encourage a Culture of Flexibility and Adaptability
In times of change, adaptability becomes a key skill. Encourage team members to embrace a mindset of flexibility. This can be supported by fostering an environment where experimentation and learning from failure are valued. Promote cross-functional collaboration to help team members learn new skills and perspectives. As the Harvard Business Review points out, teams that adapt quickly are more likely to maintain their performance and morale during transitions.
4. Provide Tools and Resources for Success
Equip your team with the right tools and resources to succeed in the new environment. This could mean training sessions, access to new technology, or additional support from leadership. Providing these resources signals to the team that the organization is invested in their success, fostering a sense of security and commitment.
5. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress
Recognize and celebrate the small wins along the way. Change can be overwhelming, and celebrating progress—even minor achievements—helps to boost morale and motivate the team. Acknowledge the effort and resilience of your team members, reinforcing that their contributions are valued and essential to the organization’s success.
6. Promote Peer Support and Collaboration
Encourage team members to support one another during the transition. Foster a culture of peer coaching and collaboration, where team members can share their experiences, ideas, and strategies for adapting to change. This mutual support can build a stronger, more cohesive team that is better equipped to handle uncertainty.
By employing these strategies, leaders can help their teams gain traction during periods of change, ensuring they remain focused, resilient, and prepared to tackle new challenges. Change may be inevitable, but with the right support, teams can navigate it successfully and emerge even stronger.
1. Communicate Openly and Frequently
One of the most important strategies for supporting teams during change is clear and frequent communication. According to research by McKinsey, organizations that communicate effectively during times of change are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. Make sure to communicate not just the “what” and “when” but also the “why” behind the changes. Open channels for feedback and questions, and provide regular updates to keep everyone informed. This transparency helps to build trust and reduces the anxiety that often accompanies change.
2. Empower Team Members with Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Change can often lead to confusion regarding roles and responsibilities. To help teams gain traction, ensure that everyone understands their role in the new landscape. Clarify expectations and provide a roadmap for how each role contributes to the overall objectives. This sense of clarity allows team members to focus on their tasks with confidence, reducing the stress and uncertainty that change can bring.
3. Encourage a Culture of Flexibility and Adaptability
In times of change, adaptability becomes a key skill. Encourage team members to embrace a mindset of flexibility. This can be supported by fostering an environment where experimentation and learning from failure are valued. Promote cross-functional collaboration to help team members learn new skills and perspectives. As the Harvard Business Review points out, teams that adapt quickly are more likely to maintain their performance and morale during transitions.
4. Provide Tools and Resources for Success
Equip your team with the right tools and resources to succeed in the new environment. This could mean training sessions, access to new technology, or additional support from leadership. Providing these resources signals to the team that the organization is invested in their success, fostering a sense of security and commitment.
5. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress
Recognize and celebrate the small wins along the way. Change can be overwhelming, and celebrating progress—even minor achievements—helps to boost morale and motivate the team. Acknowledge the effort and resilience of your team members, reinforcing that their contributions are valued and essential to the organization’s success.
6. Promote Peer Support and Collaboration
Encourage team members to support one another during the transition. Foster a culture of peer coaching and collaboration, where team members can share their experiences, ideas, and strategies for adapting to change. This mutual support can build a stronger, more cohesive team that is better equipped to handle uncertainty.
By employing these strategies, leaders can help their teams gain traction during periods of change, ensuring they remain focused, resilient, and prepared to tackle new challenges. Change may be inevitable, but with the right support, teams can navigate it successfully and emerge even stronger.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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