Action Steps
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Work with a change management consultant to conduct an employee climate survey

A change management consultant can produce an employee climate survey to gather information on the implementation of company goals. A survey, properly designed, administered and interpreted, should provide a structure for implementing appropriate organizational change. This expert will then work with the management team to implement the change directed by the results of the survey.

I recommend: Change management consultation is the specialty at Organized Change Consultancy with their innovative and unique method for surveying the stakeholders in an organization with a "360 feedback" tool. This feature measures attitudes of superiors and their subordinates. Vault Don't Climb uses a variety of surveys to identify areas in need of change.

Take an inventory of executive strengths and weaknesses using change management consulting services

Organizational change management consulting is the key to building a strong leadership team. The men and women at the top of an organization lead and manage resources for optimal success. Thoughtful assessment, placement and promotion of the leaders affect the daily operations of an organization and the profits.

I recommend: Change management consultants at RHR International assess the leadership skills, cultural fit and potential of the leadership team to determine appropriate action regarding promotion and placement. Knickerbocker & Stevens is expert in leadership assessment, which aids in recruitment, placement and promotion.

Employ an organizational change management consultant for team development

An organization with numerous talented employees is ineffective usually if these great people do not work as a team. Leaders working with change management consultants will develop, renew or hone the skills that made them attractive candidates. Effective leaders will build the team that will provide a dynamic culture, motivated employees and efficient production.

I recommend: The Center for Creative Leadership provides instruments and activities to assist leaders devoted to improving their skills to manage and lead an organizational team. Clarity Consultants specialize in programs for leadership development.

Action Steps
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Find a change management consulting firm to strengthen your team's focus

Developing human capital is a primary goal of any successful business. Change starts with your employees, but it's not always easy to get your team thinking and acting in new ways. There are many change consultants who specialize in coaching leaders and working with staff as a group to change a business's culture.

I recommend: The Schiller Center is a change management consulting firm devoted to building a harmonious group dynamic, with an eye toward increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Performance Partners is a change management consultancy that works to improve individual and team performance, and focus an organization's strategy and mission.

Pick change management experts who emphasize customer satisfaction

If you want to boost sales and profits, there's nothing so effective as making your customers happy. Choose a change management firm that's committed to reminding your employees where their bread is buttered.

I recommend: International Management Technologies can usher your business into a customer-centered culture, or C3, through a combination of assessment, coaching and strategic planning. Expressworks International has worked with a diverse array of businesses, from Gymboree to the Gap

Partner with organizational change consultants to position your company in a shifting marketplace

When the big changes happen, you might find yourself wondering what to do next. Whether you're facing a merger or acquisition, downsizing or expanding, you know change isn't just a matter of totals on a spreadsheet. An organizational change management consultant can help restructure your business to meet new demands.

I recommend: Bain & Company is an international firm that specializes in large-scale organizational change management consulting. Their results-based service can help your company thrive through mergers and acquisitions and technological upgrades. Link Resources can help your company develop and execute an effective transition plan.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Meet with two to three organizational change management consultant companies and request proposals that outline project tasks and an implementation time frame. Schedule a return meeting to review each proposal, discuss the project in detail and ask questions before you make a decision.

Action Steps
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Probe into change management consulting by taking courses

Change management consulting courses can focus on the theories and principles of change management. There are also some courses that emphasize real-world experience, where instructors will want change consultants to bring change projects from their work to class. They'll work on these projects and then a team will review them.

I recommend: Change Management Learning Center offers comprehensive change management consultants education and training. For example, organizational change consultants will learn the seven principles of change management. They’ll also learn about theories and change management strategies. Training-Classes offers classes on business change management consulting. Change management consultants will learn about the ADKAR model.

Learn how to be an effective change management consultant by attending seminars

In order to run a successful change management consulting firm, it's important to have leadership skills. Seminars will teach change management consultants how to build strong relationships with employees and managers. Consultants also will learn how to create a team and keep members enthusiastic about the projects.

I recommend: Dale Carnegie provides seminars on change management consulting. You will learn how to manage change management projects in a fast-paced environment and build strong rapport with employees. Alliance Training and Consulting also provides change management seminars. Change management consultancy professionals will learn how to set up change projects and handle employees who are resistant to change.

Study research reports to receive change management consultants education and training

Become familiar with the different models of change management by reading research reports. These reports provide insight as to what models companies are using; learn about the results these models have produced. Another area consultants can study is how have companies matured - with respect to their change management policies.

I recommend: StackSafe has a research paper on change management maturity. Change Managements also offers several research reports on business change management consulting. One of the topics that change management consultants can study is change management strategies.

Action Steps
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Strategic planning

Strategic planning is important for any business. It involves setting a mission statement and goals over the next two or three years. Businesses need strategic planning to decide what types of products and services they need to develop. A change management consultant will help businesses focus their strategic planning.

I recommend: Learn more about strategic planning from QuickMBA.

Organization structure

The organization structure is how a business functions. It specifies who does what job and which managers people report to. Occasionally, businesses need organizational restructure to become more efficient. A change management consultant can determine whether your business has the best organization structure possible.

I recommend: Learn how Performance Partners can analyze a business' organization structure.

Culture change

Culture change focuses on changing the attitudes of workers. Employees that have a negative attitude may cause others within the organization to feel negative. Change consultants analyze your corporate culture and drive any necessary changes.

I recommend: C3 helps businesses with culture change.

Transition management

All businesses go through change, but some employees have a harder time dealing with it than others. In particular, during a buyout or merger restructure, change consultants can help with the transition management to ensure that workers adapt more easily.

I recommend: Learn about how Link Resources can help with transition management.

Executive coaching

Executive coaching helps the executives in an organization perform better by offering one-on-one advice. Some change management consultants specialize in executive coaching.

I recommend: The Harvard Business School explains what an executive coach can do for you.

Human capital management

Human capital is the people in an organization and the skills that they have. Smart companies aim to manage their human capital well and try to encourage growth among employees, which benefits both the employee and the company. If things are starting to go awry, contact a change management consultant to help you get back on track.

I recommend: HCM discusses human capital management.