Leading and Managing Change
Page 3: Change Factors for Success
Conclusion
Libby Hartman is a manager with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. She consults in project and organizational change management, organization design and structure, leadership effectiveness, learning and development, communication, and performance and pay alignment. She was a panelist for the State Bar's Seize the Future conference in December 2000.
The information/technology age has left few people, organizations, and industries untouched; the legal profession is no exception. Change is difficult, and radical change can be excruciating. The first step is understanding your own resistance (fear of the unknown, loss of income, change in work methods, increased expectations). Only after we understand what is difficult about change for us as individuals can we start addressing what needs to change in our work life. Leaders are critical to making this smooth for their law firms, colleagues, and employees. Tell those affected why the change is necessary, tell them what it is going to look like, tell them how they will get there, and tell them who needs to do what.
Sidebar: Five Technology Trends That Will Impact You This Year