Urgency for change

Question 1

Change

Answer 1

Our world is changing fast and businesses must
change quickly, too.
Businesses that handle change well thrive, whilst
those that do not may struggle to survive
How businesses manage change (and how
successful they are at it) varies enormously
depending on the nature of the business, the
change and the people involved

Question 2

Dynamic environments

Answer 2

Businesses are in a world of dynamic environments – which means the business world is constantly changing and modernising
When a business evolves and changes, it means that it develops over time.
Once a SWOT and PESTLE analysis have been complete, a business will have
identified the areas they need to change
They will then prioritise these changes in terms of urgency

Question 3

What is urgency

Answer 3

Dealing with something quickly
Pressing importance

Question 4

Urgency

Answer 4

A business will look at what changes need to be made
as a matter of urgency
For example: a new law is coming into effect, this
would be a priority for a business to change for
because it is a legal requirement
For example: a new competitor threat is on the market
and thriving, a business will need to respond quickly

Question 5

Urgency in change management

Answer 5

At times, circumstances become so urgent that change must happen or the business will die.
However, creating a sense of urgency for change is the first step in change management

Question 6

Creating a sense of urgency

Answer 6

Current system/product/processes must change.
Perceived as threat/criticism creates resistance.
Valid reasons/justifications for change needed.
Complacency (being too comfortable) kills any chance of change.
Urgency must be clearly communicated.
Consequences of not changing.

Question 7

Resistance to change

Answer 7

People do not like change
If staff are resistant to change (e.g. not on
board or supportive of the change)
What impacts might this have?

Question 8

Urgency

Answer 8

For change to happen, it helps if the whole company really wants it
This may help you spark the initial motivation to get things moving
They need to open an honest about what’s happening in the marketplace and with their competition.
What they can do:
Identify potential threats, and develop and show possible future scenarios.
Request support from customers, outside stakeholders and industry people to strengthen their argument.