Implementing a significant business process change is difficult. Choose a strong facilitator to lead and monitor the transition. A strong facilitator will have a passion for improvement and the skills to guide your transition from start to finish. The facilitator should be enthusiastic, determined, and capable of taking on the following responsibilities:
- Define the personal benefits that co-workers can expect, as well as the benefits to the company, and sell them to the team.
- Define and document how each person’s work activity will differ from in the past.
- Organize training sessions for all team members to make sure everyone understands the new process and is comfortable with performing their part.
- Kick off the new process at a specified time and in a way that makes an impact.
- Coach team members and be available for quick response to questions.
- Monitor adherence to the improved process and set a time limit for tolerating non-compliance (during which reinforcement of the new process is made each time someone regresses to the old, inefficient methods).
- Measure compliance and report to management (this step is often not necessary in smaller organizations).
- Gather feedback from the users for future process improvements.
Few things are as frustrating as recognizing the need for improvement, picking the right course of action, and then failing in execution. Finding the right facilitator can mean the difference between success and failure. Ensure your success by choosing a strong facilitator to see the change through to the desired end result.
