Step 6 - Review and Summary
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It is important to review the introduction of
a major change a while after it has been implemented to check that the desired outcome has
been reached, and that the organisation has accepted it. The change team are the ideal
group to conduct the review, although the results of the review may need to be presented
to the sponsoring group or to the leadership. Four questions are suggested for a review : |
1. Has it happened?
Take the vision statement for the change - has it been accomplished? To what degree
has the organisation moved to where it was anticipated that it would be? Where are there
gaps? What else still needs doing?
2. How has the change been received?
How are people feeling? It is possible to run a simple questionnaire at this stage,
providing it is carefully worded, and it is likely that the majority of responses will be
positive. If it is clear that there is still work to be done in helping people to come to
terms with the change do this first!
3. What are the problems?
Is there anything that is causing problems related to the change and how it has been
received? If so, what can be done to resolve these? The change group may need to tackle
two or three other related issues before feeling that its work is done.
4. What can be learned from the process of introducing the change
?
The group should look back on the process they used to implement the change - what
worked well, and what they would like to do differently next time. Both headings provide
useful learning for the future.
Summary
Using a structured approach for change will not guarantee success, and does not in any way replace a need to pray through the work at each stage. Flexibility and common sense will be needed to determine the degree to which this approach needs to be followed. This approach is designed for major changes associated with a church or Christian organisation stepping out to reach its vision. Smaller changes will not need to go through each stage in detail, although the principles outlined should normally be followed! Whilst we need to carefully consider all aspects of introducing change, and to be sensitive to people's needs, perhaps most of all we need to have the confidence to step out prayerfully and in faith.
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If any of you lacks
wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is
like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1: 5 - 6 |
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This is the end of the Introducing
Change module. Please would you take a moment to give us some feedback
on it. Thank You.
