A 2014 study revealed that the success rate of change initiatives, mostly termed as innovations, is only 4.5%. In today’s time when innovations are immensely important and an essential driving force behind huge projects, this success rate figure is alarming. What needs to be understood is that deciding a change is just one of the many steps. It’s the process leading to the eventual outcome that needs effort and due attention. A thorough understanding should be possessed of why a change is needed, how it should be implemented, ways to not let it fail and how to counter the problems in the process of bringing a change.

Here are the factors that need to be taken due care of to not let a change initiative fail?

Strategy Communication:

When a project manager embarks on a new project, he needs to make sure all the team members and stakeholders involved in the project are explained the new strategy comprehensively. When the change is implemented is not communicated properly, team members often find themselves barely engaged or interested in the work. Such a scenario creates the disconnection between a project manager and his team ultimately harming the project results. It is also wrong on a project administrator’s part to assume that everyone on the team would understand the need for the change being implemented. A vision must be put forward that is understandable for all and highlighting the positive side because that encourages all team members to give in their best effort and thus work towards a positive outcome. If there’s an element of disconnectedness within the team, some serious action needs to be taken to restore the damage done. An activity as simple asking an employee each day about his opinions on the change and how is it benefitting the project can be beneficial in restoring the friendly work environment. Such a move makes team members feel valued and an essential part of the project.

Consistent Monitoring:

One of the major reasons why business initiatives often drastically fail is the lack of focus put in by a project manager. The project manager after bringing in a new change or initiative becomes busy with some other things gradually losing track of the project. While nothing can be ignored or neglected, a project in which a change has just been implemented needs a lot more focus. A project manager is the one connecting the employees to the project. In a case where a project manager loses focus, employees disengage. Hopping into one thing after another is a very disadvantageous and damaging move to make. When an initiative begins, the project needs even greater attention because the work does not end at just implementing the change. The process till the end needs to be observed and worked upon carefully to judge how beneficial the change was to the project and how it can be further improved.

To conclude, it takes the great understanding of the initiative to not let it fail. Effective strategy communication, observing cause and effect, consistent focus and monitoring are a few factors that ensure a positive result.