As a business owner, you know the industry is always changing. So, there’s continually a need to assess where you’re at and how to better workflows.
From time to time, you’ll want to implement new business processes, whether to improve efficiency, expand operations, meet market demands, or for another reason.
When doing so, you may find challenges, such as employees resisting change or being confused about the update. To help things go more smoothly, try the tips in this guide.
Be Clear about the Goal
When a new process begins in the workplace (or, better yet, before it begins), explain to your staff the purpose of implementing it.
When your team understands the why behind the change, they are more likely to use it correctly and meet the stated goal.
When explaining the objective, use concrete terms, such as reducing processing time by 10 percent. A measurable goal is simple to comprehend.
Identify the Main People
Who will be using the new procedure? Who should help with planning? These are the people you should seek input from on the specifics of the process.
Involving the people who are going to be using it encourages them to follow it and to feel that the organization values their input.
That can improve job satisfaction, keeping your team receptive to future changes and less likely to seek work elsewhere.
Communicate the Change Effectively
Share with employees what is changing and what will stay the same. Be consistent in what you share to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
There are many ways to share news about the new process internally. For example, you could write a memorandum to send to multiple individuals simultaneously, ensuring it is concise and to the point. Encourage questions and feedback on the change to improve the process and clarify any points as needed.
Training Sessions
When the new procedure is complex, training sessions may be necessary. Also, online or printed guides outlining the proper steps can be helpful. Begin by drafting the outline for the session (or series of sessions), based on what you want participants to know.
During the training course, show the audience what to do once, explaining the purpose of each step, then have them do it once on their own and answer their questions along the way.
Consider What Could Go Wrong
While this may seem negative, it is actually very practical. There are bound to be issues with anything new. For example, could the new tech need tweaking once it’s used more? Planning for what could go wrong can help you better handle issues if they do happen.
Also, it’s often helpful to create a workplace environment where people feel it is okay if they fail when doing something new.
That way, employees are more likely to try the new process rather than ignore it altogether, knowing it is safe to make mistakes and learn from them.
Conclusion
New business processes are needed from time to time, no matter the size of your operation. When you roll out the procedure effectively, using the tips above, you can ensure that the changes happen smoothly and meet the intended goal.
