Sixth Sense: Embracing Change

In a fast-paced, highly competitive world, companies must change to meet the needs of an evolving client base. We asked six leaders for tips and strategies in transforming workers’ attitudes regarding workplace changes.

Ed Bashaw, Ph.D.
Dean of the College of Business 
Professor of Marketing
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville

I’ve noticed that change is not always accepted graciously – a great understatement. If I’m honest, when change initiatives are greeted ungraciously and they do not go over well, it is usually because I violated one or more of my three biggest keys to helping people embrace change.

(1) Over-communicate everything – the issues and problems, why we should make changes, what change we should make, how those changes will help and the expected results of change.

(2) Gain as much consensus as you can before moving forward to the action/behavior required of the change. When people have input they tend to take ownership.

(3) Make change bigger than one person. For us that usually means a result that is good for students. Most people will respond appropriately to the “greater good” when they believe the “good” is something or someone for which or whom they care.

Lou Ann Nisbett
President/CEO
Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County
Pine Bluff

Change is something that happens whether we are ready or not. We can embrace change in our workplace by developing confidence in ourselves and others. Focus on individual and team strengths, not weaknesses. Emphasize optimism and focus on opportunities that come with change.

In working with the amazing Alliance staff, I am surrounded by passionate people with a heart for our community. Our days are filled with challenges, yet we find ways to encourage one another and develop plans to tackle them. This staff embraces change by gaining knowledge that fuels creativity. It is important to show respect for their accomplishments as this builds confidence in our team, creating success in our workplace.

What I like about change is that it causes us to think and stretch ourselves. When things are changing, we cannot get stuck in a rut and it causes us to push and learn something new every day.

Bryan Smith
Alliance Rubber Company
Chairman of the Board
Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
Hot Springs

Whether it’s tying your shoes or cooking your favorite foods, most of us do things a certain way, because it’s what we’re accustomed to and change is not always easy. I’ve found that, for me, communication is the key in transforming your workers’ attitudes, helping them to embrace change. Change sometimes involves the unknown, which can cause concern for those affected by it, but I’ve noticed that when you communicate with everyone, explaining why change is needed, most are receptive to it.

It’s also important to remember that in most situations, there’s a learning curve associated with change, and my approach is to try to always have a positive attitude about it. It’s key that you assure your workers that you understand their concerns and any assistance needed will be provided to them, helping them to make the transition as smoothly as possible.

Larry Foley
Emmy-Winning Filmmaker
Professor and Chair, Lemke Department of Journalism
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville

As I contemplated tackling a new challenge this summer, becoming chair of the Journalism Department, a former student sent me this Eleanor Roosevelt quote: “Do one thing every day that scares us.” After doing the same thing for 21 years – teaching and producing documentaries – changing career directions meant embracing big change.

My challenge is to create a new model for our faculty and students. We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve always done them if we’re going to survive and thrive in this world of exploding media messages.

It’s important to do research and plan before launching into something new. But, we rarely end up exactly where we thought we were headed. While planning is vital, so is being responsive to roadblocks, speed bumps and opportunities.

Passion for change is contagious. Above my desk hangs this quote from Founding Father Ben Franklin, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Marla Johnson Norris
CEO
Aristotle, Inc.
Little Rock

Because Aristotle is in an Internet industry defined by change, from the very beginning we knew it was important to create a workplace culture of learning by doing, keeping good energy and keeping the ride fun.

We look for employees who love to learn and who have a passion for technology – people who like to be “in the know” with the latest … everything. We encourage staff not to define their creativity simply by job description, but to stay open to new opportunities to expand their skill sets within the workplace.

Adapting to change in the workplace is always a challenge, and companies must maintain a center that provides stability. At Aristotle, that hub is made up of our core values: practice active compassion, value excellence in craftsmanship, act with integrity and responsibility, place innovation and creativity at the center of our work, and believe in the power of synergy and collaboration.

Clif Chitwood
Mississippi County Economic Developer
Mississippi County

I am an economic developer and change is both the challenge and the reason for my profession. Change, both positive and negative is also unending and constant.

I grew up during the 1950s and ’60s and these were exciting and prosperous times for most mid-size communities in Arkansas. Our towns were in full bloom and boom. Growth was statewide and not confined to one or two communities.

Now, with the exception of Little Rock, which was founded as the seat of state government, no single town in Arkansas can rely on its original purpose as an engine for ongoing growth.

Towns of cotton, lumber, rivers, local market places are gone or going. They will be missed.

But we must move – from cotton to steel – from lumber to manufacturing – from market town to corporate headquarters. It is hard … it is also inescapable if we are to survive.