By Misha Waheed
What is Change Management?
Every now and then, a company finds itself trying to bridge the gap between its current state of being and its desired, future state. The process or technique, through which employers strive to reach this future state is called change management (CM). The purpose of CM is to make the transition process a smooth one, so that employees are able to adapt successfully to their new work environment.
Innovation and Change Management
Innovation and CM are like a two way street; they both support each other. The very reason for initiating any change in the way things are done is because there is usually a better, more advanced way of doing the same task. CM can be seen as a way of increasing productivity and incorporating more innovative ideas into the workplace.
Promoting an Innovation CultureWhile innovation can drive CM, the reverse is also true. Sometimes, the whole reason for adopting change is to take different approaches to a task and find alternatives that will help develop new and creative solutions to existing problems. Therefore, by adopting CM, companies not only implement better ways of doing things, but they try to find innovative solutions. Through this dual process, companies help to set the bar higherand distinguish themselves from their competitors.
CM is one excellent method of creating an innovation culture, as it helps a company grow and move forward. It is important to note though, that change does not always lead to success. Sometimes employers meet failure when they try new methods. However, this should not discourage companies from leading CM when necessary, because when change does lead to success it makes a company stronger and increases its market competitiveness.
Misha is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Communication, Culture & Information Technology and Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She is currently interning at the RIC centre as an Assistant Communication Officer and is responsible for developing content for the RIC website.
The RIC blog is designed as a showcase for entrepreneurs and innovation. Our guest bloggers provide a wealth of information based on their personal experiences. Visit Altitude Accelerator for more information on how RIC can accelerate your ideas to market.
