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How best to lead through change

Question: My company is going though a major restructuring, and I’ve been chosen as one of the people to lead my department though the change. What are some things that I can do to help the department though these major changes.

Answer: When a company restructures, it can be a very volatile time in the workplace. It is not an easy task to be one of the leaders during change. Employees usually have many questions and concerns about change, and if these concerns aren’t answered, it can lead to rumor and distrust. Here are some things that you can do to lead your department though change.

1. Be honest. Always speak the truth.

2. Take responsibility. Don’t push off decisions made by the company. Take responsibility for the company you work for.

3. Always go with the positive first. When you are criticized or questioned, first identify what is positive with the question. Start your response with the positive and then answer to the criticism.

4. Come prepared. Come prepared to answer questions every day. Even if you do not always know what questions or comments will arise, you can still prepare what you want to take the opportunity to say.

5. Listen. Listen to what your employees have to say. Even if you can’t address their concerns, it’s important that they be able to voice their questions and concerns.

(Michael Crom is executive vice president of Dale Carnegie Training. For advice on work issues, visit www.dalecarnegie.com or e-mail carnegiecoach@dalecarnegie.com.)