Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” Change Management – much like gardening – is about approach and strategic planning for sustained growth and perennial success. Today’s top organizations large and small alike share the trailblazing characteristics of embracing change to improve processes, implement new technologies, and maximize resource performance. Nitor’s Change Management “horticulture” is rooted in the four-pronged organic engagement of Assessment, Communications, Development, and Alignment. This blended science of organizational change implementation not only captures the transitional journey from current to future state but also builds the framework to sustain continual growth post deployment. 

Read on to see how we grow adoption in our clients….

Assessment

In the early stages of the change journey, assessment of the current state is essential. By identifying the environment and case for change at project initiation, sowing the seeds of change becomes ever more effective and efficient. Through one-on-one interactions with key stakeholders, the selection of core themes and key cultural nuances aides in the development of a full strategic plan to achieve the future state. With a clear mapping of current state landscape and a thoroughly sharpened scope, Nitor Change professionals are fully equipped to break ground and plant the seeds of change.

Communication

When selecting seeds for planting, elements to cultivate success such as the appropriate amount of sunlight, water, and temperature must be taken into consideration in order to achieve a bountiful harvest. Likewise, when hand selecting core themes of communication to begin nurturing the seeds of change, precision is vital. Through analysis and review of stakeholder feedback in collaboration with channels of organizational and cultural influence and impact, a custom communications plan is crafted. Strategic delivery of tailored messaging to distinct audience groups – early and often – allows us to see seedlings sprout. Two-way channels of communication play a critical role in what will determine adoptability and change success. Allowing stakeholders to provide insight and feedback throughout the implementation process gives us the opportunity to course correct in real-time.

Common sense tells us we can’t plant a garden in the snow and expect flourishing crops by the spring, and level-setting expectations in a change effort is no different. Indicating factors of ownership during the change process assists in promoting and managing initiative expectations. By creating a custom brand (image, tagline, colors, etc.) for the project or initiative at hand, communication and engagement become all the more rooted in a transformational change effort.

Development

After taking the proper steps to prepare the soil, plant, and nurture the seedlings, proof will be visible when we see growth. With a blooming garden well underway, it’s time to strategically approach development. In the change world this application translates to training and skill development. By creating a blended learning strategy for each client, long-term change management efforts are able to transform audiences from a point of awareness to a point of commitment. Establishing this internal framework allows support resources to ensure adoption and a smooth transition to the desired future state of cultivating commitment.

Alignment

Any seasoned gardener knows that at the height of harvest comes the need to plan for next season. Organizational Alignment enables our clients to foresee a similar outcome. The final step of the change journey is to recalibrate based on the new processes and technology to align and maximize resources. This step highlights the benefits reaped organization-wide and ensures streamlining across all functions. The approach to alignment addresses factors such as organizational structure, vision and strategy, skills evaluations, and transition mapping. These elements demonstrate the flowering effect of a successful change process while producing the seeds of tomorrow.   

Change Management Horticulture

While the initial task of organizing a change effort may seem daunting, perspective is key. After all, change is inevitable…. time passes, and seasons come and go. The secret to a full-scale change management process is to prepare, plan and engage with the understanding that transformation is an ongoing effort. With the proper approach and a positive perspective, an intentional deployment of a change initiative will ensure a structured and guided path to a strategic and defined future state of flourishment. Take a closer look at what Nitor Change Management can help you cultivate by clicking here to see how we brought Scotts MiracleGro into full bloom.