Managing Change and Transition - HBS Press

While on my flight to Mumbai from Kolkata last week, i read an interesting book called "Managing Change and Transition" by the Harvard Business School Press. I want to share an excerpt from the book. Its an interesting read and i would encourage all to read it ... !
Link : http://www.amazon.ca/Managing-Transition-Harvard-Business-Essentials/dp/1578518741


Managing Change and Transition :


Although it’s impossible to anticipate the when, what, and where of change, it is something businesses can count on – and should plan for. Accepting the necessity and inevitability of change enables them to see times of transition not as threats but as opportunities – opportunities for reinventing the company and its culture.


Indicators that life at work is about to change include:

1) A merger, acquisition, or divestiture.
2) The launch of a new product or service.
3) A new leader.
4) A new technology.

The fact that organizations must undergo continual change does not mean that people enjoy the process, or that the experience of change is pleasant. On the contrary, change is often disheartening and frustrating, and generally leaves a number of casualties in its wake. Managers often complain that change takes too long or that it’s too costly. Alternatively, some worry that it doesn’t last long enough or cost enough to get the job done. People at the bottom claim that the “top” doesn’t practice what it preaches. The people at the top grouse that the folks at the bottom are dragging their feet. People in the middle blame everyone else.

Change is almost always disruptive and, at times, traumatic. Because of this, many people avoid it if they can. Nevertheless, change is part of organizational life and essential for progress. Those who know how to anticipate it, catalyze it, and manage it will find their careers, and their companies, more satisfying and successful.

Contributed by: Romit Dasgupta
Source (excerpt): HBS Press
Source (image): Amazon.ca