Rules for Managing Change

“Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strain…” So begins the chorus to David Bowie’s lament about change.

Change is as inevitable as death and taxes, and it is constant in any organization.

Some change is planned: new products, new services, new leadership. Management can introduce those changes carefully so as to minimize organizational disruption.

But what about unexpected change? A product recall? Perhaps a sudden resignation? These can wreak organizational havoc.

Here are four rules for managing change. Face the facts. Tell the truth. Move forward. And do so thoughtfully but swiftly. Good managers have to “turn and face the strain.”

– Kip Caffey, Cary Street Partners