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Preparing to Make a Change

If you're thinking about making a change, and you lack direct authority, it is especially important that you know how to prepare for the change. Preparing for change when you lack authority involves four principle actions: clarifying the goal, thinking ahead, taking initiative, and expressing enthusiasm.

1. Clarifying the goal

You have to clearly identify your goal to reach it. Educators, psychologists, and even spiritual leaders credit clear goals with helping people achieve success.

To make your goal clear, you need to keep it simple and be specific about what you hope to accomplish. You also need to make sure you are being realistic in terms of your existing skills, what your department or company is able to accommodate, and the time it will take to reach it.

2. Thinking ahead

A plan doesn't blossom in a vacuum. Preparation is needed, and that means thinking ahead. Consider the resources you will need in terms of people, time, and money. When will you need these various resources? Who can you count on for support immediately?

3. Taking initiative

The third action required of change is to take initiative. Among other things, this means looking for opportunity, being willing to take a risk, being ready when the opportunity presents itself, and exerting effort.

If you want to create change, you must accept the challenge wholeheartedly. If the change you are planning doesn't inspire you daily, it is doubtful you will have the initiative to carry it through.

4. Expressing enthusiasm

The final action that is required is the expression of enthusiasm for the change you are working to create. Enthusiasm helps to build support for your idea. Enthusiasm is contagious and helps to increase confidence in your plan.

There are more ways than one to implement the actions that are needed to create change. Creating workplace change when you lack authority is a lot easier if you know what actions change typically requires. You can help a change to succeed by clarifying the goal, thinking ahead, taking the initiative, and expressing enthusiasm.