Transformation and Change: Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

In the below article, Scott Meyers, Principal CFO at SPRCHRGR, shares his insights on how to overcome resistance and implement necessary changes at your company:

I have been involved at all levels of finance and operations during my career, which spans more than 35 years at everything from startups to large public companies. Of the many challenges I have taken on over the years, the ones I have enjoyed the most have involved leading transformation and change — not just within functional departments but also across the whole enterprise. It is one of the most difficult skills to refine, because transformation and change are often met with skepticism and resistance.

To transform and change a company involves working with cross-functional teams to execute key strategic initiatives, enhance processes, implement best practices and reduce costs. And while it might sound counterintuitive, the biggest mistake is trying to do it from the top down.

A good foundation starts at the bottom

To be sure, you need the support of senior management to introduce change. But you also need to utilize a bottom-up approach. Including those who do the work at all levels is very important. A bottom-up approach enables people to identify where the waste is. It also gives them an opportunity to suggest improvements in how things are done.

Gaining people's trust and allowing them to speak freely is the biggest hurdle. Employees are often hesitant and guarded about sharing their ideas because they worry how management will respond. Once you get your team members to open up, however, they can be your biggest change champions within the organization.

Pick a starting point and don't look back

The best strategy is to avoid trying to change everything at once. Lean methodology and an emphasis on continuous improvement are most effective. Creating a couple of small successes to start is vital; that shows what's possible. Celebrating those successes and building on that momentum helps sustain growth, encouraging more people to jump on the bandwagon.

At the same time, remember that you will fail at points during this process. The key is to fail fast. Apply the lessons you've learned and move on. Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from taking measured risks.

Seize the moment — and the momentum

A word of caution for anyone thinking about initiating transformation and change: It is not for the faint of heart. You had better have thick skin, because you will be tested throughout the process. You will also need patience — both personally and from senior leadership. This is not an overnight undertaking. No one should expect instant success. While it will take time, though, the benefits — both tangible and intangible — will be immense.

Remember: In today's rapidly evolving business climate, standing still is simply not an option. As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management theory, once said, "If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old."