Innovation means change and change is a very difficult issue for employees. For managers promoting a change, it is therefore difficult not only to get employees come up with innovative ideas, but especially to get them enthusiastically accept the results of innovations. How to win employees for a sincere support of your changes? Openforum.com brought six practical tips.
Understand their feelings
Employees naturally react to innovations by fear of possible failure, fear of the changes in their job roles and fear of losing their jobs. Disregarding this fact will make the situation even worse. You should encourage your people to talk about their concerns and listen to them.
Deal with their concerns
When you know what makes your people uneasy, look for specific solutions. Saying only that "it will be OK" is not enough.
Involve as many people as possible
Most inovations are brought by a limited group of employees. Those who are not involved may then feel implementing such innovations as something foisted. Therefore, try to involve as many people as possible and explain everyone why he is important to implement the innovation.
Ensure adequate communication
Your people need to know what the proposed innovation is about and what should it bring to the company. If they miss information, they will get nervous and start spreading rumors.
Encourage morale
Innovative projects bring enthusiasm, but also stress and exhaustion. Employees therefore need you to show them their progress towards a specific goal. Measure progress and search for specific incentives that will give your team more energy.
Celebrate successes
Once you reach a goal, celebrate it. Publicly thank them for your people's efforts and contribution of individual roles.
-kk-