In the world of startups, agility is the name of the game. The spirit of innovation and the pursuit of the new drive these young, dynamic companies. In such an environment, the question arises: do startups need change management? The answer might surprise you.
Agility without Boundaries
Startups are unique beasts. They operate in a realm where there are no established organizational paradigms because everything they do is groundbreaking and innovative. The very essence of a startup is to disrupt the status quo, which makes it seem like change management is unnecessary.
The Human Factor
However, change management techniques bring value to organizations at any stage of their life cycle, including startups. Why? Because, no matter how agile, every startup comprises people. And where there are people, there’s ego, status, power dynamics, and personal agendas. Even in the enthusiasm of a young company, human relations can be complex.
Fighting the Frustration
Creating a startup, developing a new product or service, and navigating the storm of innovation isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Frustrations are part and parcel of the journey. And they can corrode the very essence of your startup. This is where change management becomes critical.
Startups and External Stakeholders
In well-established companies, stakeholder management often focuses on employees. In startups, it’s the external stakeholders that demand attention. Customers, government, unions, shareholders, the press, suppliers – they all have a say in your startup’s journey. Managing their engagement and sometimes antagonism is essential.
Crafting Organizational Culture
Applying agile approaches in startups might seem easier, but the organizational culture still needs management. While the organization is new, the people bring their history, habits, and paradigms. Thus, managing the organizational culture is vital, ensuring it’s not left to chance but orchestrated with purpose.
The Dangers of Unmanaged Growth
We’ve witnessed startups that lose their initial allure as they grow. The interpersonal connection with leaders diminishes, and command-and-control structures take over. What was once natural engagement turns into an effort. Some even shift to a more traditional management model due to compliance and legal requirements, losing their original DNA.
The Power of Change Management DNA
Companies born with change management in their organizational DNA adapt more smoothly during growth and strategic redirection. Start managing change from day one, even if it’s a light touch – it will serve you well as your company continues to evolve.
Prepare for the Future
If you’re in a startup, especially in the early stages, you might apply only a part of the change management concepts. But remember, as your venture succeeds, changes will come. Be prepared to face them head-on.
Change management might not be the first thing that comes to mind in the world of startups, but it’s an unsung hero. It keeps your journey smooth, your team engaged, and your growth sustainable.
Join the conversation about change management in startups. Follow our company WinningThruChange LinkedIn page for more insights, stories, and strategies. Let’s navigate change together.
To learn more about HUCMI and our Change Management approach, read this article: https://change.management.hucmi.com/what-is-organizational-change-management-3-0/https://change.management.hucmi.com/what-is-organizational-change-management-3-0/
The ability of persons affected by the change to adapt and sustain it determines the success of any change. To address this challenge, the Human Change Management Institute (HUCMI) has developed the Human Change Management Body of Knowledge® (HCMBOK®) and the HCMBOK® To Agile (for managing change in an agile environment) methodologies. This approach is highly flexible and can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Currently, more than 8,000 professionals from 1,600 organizations across 50 countries have been certified in the HCMBOK® methodology by HUCMI®.
WinningThruChange (www.winningthruchange.com) is an authorized training partner for HUCMI® in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle Eastern & ASEAN Countries.
