Change in the Wind

We are moving towards the end of 2012, plans for 2013 are complete or at least really underway...there is the presidential election in the United States and more going on around the world.  Changes are always coming our way.  What do you do to prepare for change?  Or do you prepare for change at all?
Here are a few things to consider when working on creating change in your organization:

1. timing - when is the right time (without procrastinating - I am thinking more from a fiscally responsible perspective)
2. who is involved - directly affected by the change, team alignment, people elimination or respositioning
3. how will customers react - or will they notice the change at all
4. what will the organization look like after the change - compare org charts or product/service matrices
5. what will the communication plan look like  -  and who owns it

There are a million more things to think about, but if you can start here, you are covering the bases to ensure that you are getting a 'global' view on the change.  

If you are not sure if this is the path for you, try this:

• Ask your executive team to plan out the first three steps they would each take to get from where you are now to where you would like to be.  They must do this individually in the next 3 minutes - it's all about gut reaction - see what comes out and you will find a pretty common starting space if you are really aligned.  You may even tap into some creative/innovative ideas that can help you move the change along.  At the very least you will get a great dialogue on the subject.