As one season ends another begins. People are wired very much like a calendar. They are aware of the seasons and what each one means to them. Plus, what adjustments will need to be made to fit into what is coming next.
As the leader of your organization you can use this awareness of your staff to make your team even better. Many research studies have shown that people are more open to change at the beginning of a season or year or quarter or month or even a week. ( Monday’s work better than Friday’s).
Let’s step back and think about why this is so. When you talk about change at the beginning of a period it is forward looking. Your team will see this as an opportunity. As something that will move everyone ahead. Plus since it is at the inception of a period they are more likely to believe it can be done. (this is based on the fact that have time ahead of them to get it done).
Now let’s contrast that approach with discussing the need for change at the end of summer or on December 31 or even Friday for that matter. When you talk about changes at the end of summer you are looking at things based on the past. The past is something that cannot be changed thus people will look at it from a feeling of helplessness. They might see your backward looking perspective as criticism and nobody enjoys being criticized. After all at the end of a period you review what transpired and reflect on what has been. You are not looking ahead as much as behind.
Thinking about change at this time is not optimal as your team is not focused on the future. The beginning of anything is the best time to start something new.
Now get started on making positive changes at the beginning of Fall when people are more open.
