1/13/2010 HRM-RI Meeting Recap:
Leading and Managing Organizational Change
Transitioning from the old to the new does not have to be traumatizing
by Gerard Holder, Chair, HRM-RI Public Relations Committee
On Tuesday January 13th, HRM-RI held their monthly breakfast meeting at their new breakfast meeting place: The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick. There were 54 members in attendance.
The keynote speaker, Mary Ann Gontin, President of Cunis & Gontin/OI Partner, Inc., presented a topic which was both timely and important. Mary presented information on "Leading and managing organizational change." The information was based on Mary's lengthy consulting experience and the work of William Bridges, the author of Transitions and Managing Transitions. William states, "It isn't the changes that do you in, it’s the transitions. "
Mary indicated that transitioning is psychological and moving from an old situation to a new situation is a three phase process:
Ending – Where individuals must let go and say good by to the old.
The Neutral Zone – This may bring about chaos but it could also be a time for creativity.
Beginning again – This is about renewal and initiating a new chapter.
Mary also indicated that along the way all three phases must be managed. In managing the "End" it is important that people understand their losses are ecognized and acknowledged. Managing the “Neutral Zone” for success should be dealt with in four ways:
Significantly increase the focus;
Make use of temporary solutions and arrangements;
Utilize this time to be creative and capitalize on the opportunities it offers and
Enhance the learning.
Mary noted that managing the "Beginning" tends to be easy provided the End and Neutral Zone have been effectively managed. When managing the beginning, the transition picture must be fine tuned. Additionally, the new identity should be articulated, communicated and celebrated.
