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2009-01-04 BACK
Change Agents are Needed
Change Agents are Needed This article originally appeared in the Texarkana Gazette on January 4, 2009 By Dr. Charles McDonald, Professor of Management Information Systems Texas A&M University-Texarkana The problems with our national economy apparently are not going to be solved quickly. Many of our local businesses have been forced to operate more efficiently and/or redirect their product line in order to survive. In this rapidly changing business environment, organizations need to identify problems, seek direction, identify opportunities, evaluate risk, select solutions, and implement cost-effective changes. Organizations that respond quickly and effectively have the best chance for survival. Static organizations close. In today’s business environment, the only constant is change and people that actively promote change are, by definition, change agents. Fortunately, change agents perceive problems as opportunities for innovation. Significant organizational changes are difficult labor-intensive processes that frequently threaten users, create high stress levels, provoke anger, and drain the organization’s energy, emotion, and funds. Change agents must deal with these factors and be able to inspire others to accept and support change. They must also address hostile employees that impede the acceptance of change; whereas, the success of the organization may rest on the character, tact, and diplomacy of the change agents. It is critical that change agents have strong analytical skills and understand how each element of the business works. It would be foolish to attempt to design a system without a clear understanding of the present operations that may include purchasing, inventory control, production, services, sales, transactions, credit, deliveries, customer relations, human resources, and other areas of the business affected by the proposed change. In addition, change agents must remain focused to provide direction during stressful times of uncertainty, changing priorities, chaos, and deadlines. Obviously, change agents are results-oriented, but they must communicate well with multiple levels of management, employees, vendors, contractors, and other parties while under pressure to produce a successful transition. Change agents should note that to be successful, changes must be supported by all users and that if users were not represented in the design stage; they are reluctant to support the solution. Years ago, I was responsible for implementing process control systems in paper mills. One paper mill purchased a process control system without involving the paper making crews. The crews were angered to learn that a new system to control their papermaking process had been designed and delivered without their involvement. During the weekend, the system was discovered at the bottom of an elevator shaft under a forklift. Always involve users…. Kiwanis recently posted an interesting ad for a change agent: Help Wanted: Change Agents Kiwanis is looking for a few great men and women who want to help change the world. Must be open to new ideas and innovative ways of solving problems. Must have personal courage and a willingness to challenge those in authority. Should be willing to ask important questions like: Why? So What? Who Cares? Positions available in 8000 locations worldwide, with opportunities for advancement into positions of leadership at a District and International level. Salary is not negotiable ($0), but the benefits are awesome. Contact robparker@kiwanis.org This ad describes a change agent’s responsibility; although, with other organizations, it is a paid position and the benefits may not be awesome. Consider preparing to be a change agent. Be assured that the need for change will continue and those organizations that adapt quickly and effectively to demands in their business environment and can conceptualize and implement effective solutions will have the best opportunity for success. For students of all ages, this is your time of preparation, do your best, learn all that you can, excel at what you do, create a path for others to follow that makes a positive difference, and be rewarded for your efforts.
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Change Agents are Needed
Change Agents are Needed This article originally appeared in the Texarkana Gazette on January 4, 2009 By Dr. Charles McDonald, Professor of Management Information Systems Texas A&M University-Texarkana The problems with our national economy apparently are not going to be solved quickly. Many of our local businesses have been forced to operate more efficiently and/or redirect their product line in order to survive. In this rapidly changing business environment, organizations need to identify problems, seek direction, identify opportunities, evaluate risk, select solutions, and implement cost-effective changes. Organizations that respond quickly and effectively have the best chance for survival. Static organizations close. In today’s business environment, the only constant is change and people that actively promote change are, by definition, change agents. Fortunately, change agents perceive problems as opportunities for innovation. Significant organizational changes are difficult labor-intensive processes that frequently threaten users, create high stress levels, provoke anger, and drain the organization’s energy, emotion, and funds. Change agents must deal with these factors and be able to inspire others to accept and support change. They must also address hostile employees that impede the acceptance of change; whereas, the success of the organization may rest on the character, tact, and diplomacy of the change agents. It is critical that change agents have strong analytical skills and understand how each element of the business works. It would be foolish to attempt to design a system without a clear understanding of the present operations that may include purchasing, inventory control, production, services, sales, transactions, credit, deliveries, customer relations, human resources, and other areas of the business affected by the proposed change. In addition, change agents must remain focused to provide direction during stressful times of uncertainty, changing priorities, chaos, and deadlines. Obviously, change agents are results-oriented, but they must communicate well with multiple levels of management, employees, vendors, contractors, and other parties while under pressure to produce a successful transition. Change agents should note that to be successful, changes must be supported by all users and that if users were not represented in the design stage; they are reluctant to support the solution. Years ago, I was responsible for implementing process control systems in paper mills. One paper mill purchased a process control system without involving the paper making crews. The crews were angered to learn that a new system to control their papermaking process had been designed and delivered without their involvement. During the weekend, the system was discovered at the bottom of an elevator shaft under a forklift. Always involve users…. Kiwanis recently posted an interesting ad for a change agent: Help Wanted: Change Agents Kiwanis is looking for a few great men and women who want to help change the world. Must be open to new ideas and innovative ways of solving problems. Must have personal courage and a willingness to challenge those in authority. Should be willing to ask important questions like: Why? So What? Who Cares? Positions available in 8000 locations worldwide, with opportunities for advancement into positions of leadership at a District and International level. Salary is not negotiable ($0), but the benefits are awesome. Contact robparker@kiwanis.org This ad describes a change agent’s responsibility; although, with other organizations, it is a paid position and the benefits may not be awesome. Consider preparing to be a change agent. Be assured that the need for change will continue and those organizations that adapt quickly and effectively to demands in their business environment and can conceptualize and implement effective solutions will have the best opportunity for success. For students of all ages, this is your time of preparation, do your best, learn all that you can, excel at what you do, create a path for others to follow that makes a positive difference, and be rewarded for your efforts.
TOP