Change management is a process that helps an organization make major changes. Often, change management tools are used to facilitate the change management process. Types of change management tools used in business include forms, templates, and software that help record information and distribute information to better manage the change. Other helpful change management tools include communication methods and devices and vocal organization members who support the change process.
The most common change management tools are software tools. Software change management tools include document creation software, accounting software, and communication software. Communication software is an important change management tool because it allows affected employees a means of addressing problems they have during the process of change. Good communication during a change can help keep small problems from developing into larger problems that can interrupt the process of change.
Software is not the only way to record change and communicate with organization members during the process. Change managers can use written tools like calendars to schedule tasks related to change management. Everyday tools like the mobile telephone can also make it easier for members of the organization to communicate about the change. When an executive in charge of change management has a mobile phone in the hands of supervisors who are helping with the change, the executive can be sure that news of problems in the change will get to him as soon as possible.
One of the most important tools in change management is employee support. Though it is not a physically represented tool that a person can use to develop change, it is a resource that a manager can tap into to help solve problems with the change. When members of an organization do not like a change, they will often convince other members of the organization to view the change negatively as well, which can create disagreements that halt the process. By communicating well with members of the organization at all levels, a company can ensure that it has the member support to keep the change management process moving forward.
In addition to the usual communication channels like email, telephone, and office memos, official public announcement channels like blogs can help give the public a way of communicating with the company about the change. Members of the public affected by change can include total strangers who rely on the product or service the company offers, but can also include family or friends affected indirectly by change within the company. By giving those affected by the process a means of communicating with the organization, a company can prevent grievances from being posted in other places on the Internet.