Managing Through Change

Embracing Change

During times of change, managing both the people and the business operations can be exciting and motivating on one hand while simultaneously stressful and challenging on the other.  Managing the business side of the process, navigating your own reactions well, and actively supporting your team are essential to the success of any change initiative.

HR has many resources available to help you strategize, plan, and implement changes while managing yourself, your team members, and the organization.  You can find supports by clicking the associated tabs at the top of the page. 

HR is also available for consultation regarding your specific needs.  Contact us at DevelopU@smu.edu or 8-3311.

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Listen to Jason Clarke’s TED Talk to hear his thoughts about embracing change in meaningful ways that leads to real, not phony, change and to hear insights about leading others through change in a way that engages versus polarizing them.

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Following are some of our favorite books which support the change process and leadership development.  Some of them (as well as many other titles) are in the HR Library and available for checkout.  Present your SMU ID card at Barnes & Noble/SMU Bookstore for your employee discount.

Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change by William Bridges:  managing change in the workplace is not as difficult as managing the impact on employees.  

Leading Change by John Kotter:  change is no longer the exception but the rule - Kotter presents an 8 step model for managing change in order to achieve positive results.

Smart Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey and Greg Link:  after establishing the value of trust for an organization, the authors address how smart trust can change a manager into a leader.

The Change Handbook by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane, Steven Cady:   a compilation of resources and methods from leaders in the change management field with information on how to select the right method or mix and match to achieve lasting results.  See the 

Building Better Teams by Robert W. Barner, Ph.D. and Charlotte P. Barner, Ed.D with submissions from consultants around the world:  detailed guidelines for planning, selecting, implementing and managing processes to build effective teams.

The following are also taught as a Professional Development Workshop or Customized Learning Experience

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey:  establishing trust is the one thing that changes everything.  

Crucial Conversations, Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler: learn to speak up when stuck in a relationship that isn't moving forward and you can achieve the results you are looking for.  

Looking for a different topic?  Contact Organizational Effectiveness at DevelopU@smu.edu.

Continuous learning is key to effective leadership.  Hearing from thought leaders and content experts is one avenue for development.  These are some of our favorite TED talks which have impacted our mindsets and how we engage with others.

Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown:  Connection provides purpose and meaning to our lives.  Hear how courage, compassion and authenticity impact our ability to empathize and connect with others.

Six Keys to Leading Positive Change by Rosabeth Moss Kanter:  Six keys which keep us moving, as leaders, in a positive direction.

Cultivating Resilience by Greg Eells:  When we face obstacles, resilience is how we bounce back.  Shifting our mindset is key to how well we move forward.

 

These facilitated processes support managing people and the business during times of change and development.  You might feel comfortable reading and executing based on the information provided.  We are also available to talk you through the process and what you might expect as well as helping you actually facilitate.

Gaps Grid:  a tool to learn and talk about the gaps that need to be addressed in order to develop for future responsibilities.

Target Grid:  a tool to clarify expectations, responsibilities, and accountability to align and motivate employee performance.  Provides visual representation to gain agreement on the points of the conversation and set measurements for success.

Renovator's Delight:  a process to engage others and transfer control over change to those impacted by or authoring the change.

Looking for something specific?  Email us and we will help you find the right tool for your needs:  DevelopU@smu.edu.