Here are three news stories about change blowing up in leaders’ faces due to lack of involvement:
- Tech Workers Protest Work-From-Home Policy Reversal (February 2021): Employees of Indian tech giant Infosys protested against the company’s decision to revoke its work-from-home policy. The company had initially implemented the policy due to the pandemic, but the sudden reversal WITHOUT EMPLOYEE INPUT sparked protests and resignations.
- France, Supermarket Workers Protest Scheduling Software (January 2023): In January 2023, supermarket employees in France went on strike to protest the implementation of a new scheduling software. The software, implemented WITHOUT CONSULTING THE WORKERS, was seen as unfair and disruptive to work-life balance.
- California Teachers Frustrated by Standardized Testing Rollback (March 2024): California teachers expressed frustration over a surprise decision to significantly reduce standardized testing. While many supported the goal of reducing testing fatigue, they felt EXCLUDED from discussions about the specific changes and how they would be implemented in classrooms.
The only excuses I can find for this persistent leadership behaviour are:
- Fear of ‘difficult conversations’ in which people point out flaws in their plan or get upset about the downsides of the change.
- Not understanding people’s strong desire to have control over their own affairs (a sense of agency) and the strength of their reaction when it’s taken away.
- Lack of respect for the contribution that employees can make to shaping change based on hands-on experience.
Honest, open dialogues about change (pros and cons) and active involvement of employees in making a positive contribution to change wins out every time. It take courage but builds trust and works far better than stirring up resentment and animosity.
CONTROL is the third of ‘The 5 Forces of Change’. For further insight and training see www.5forcesofchange.com.
#changemanagement #organisationalchange #culturechange #changeleadership #transformationalleadership
