Back To School: Using This Mindset Shift to Drive Change
As summer ends and the back-to-school season begins, the air fills with a sense of renewal, opportunity, and the promise of fresh starts. This mindset, characterized by preparation, anticipation, and a readiness for new challenges, is not just beneficial for students—it can be a powerful tool for firms embarking on change initiatives.
I am working with several clients who are launching new programs and initiatives this fall, and as I prepped my ten-year-old for fifth grade, I realized there are similarities between these endeavors. Both require a shift in mindset and preparation for success. In the business setting, where strategic communication is critical, leveraging the back-to-school mindset can drive enthusiasm and buy-in for organizational change.
Hop on the bus - let’s map what effective change looks like…
Alignment Atlas™ Change Process
The change process begins with a Strategic Design phase, which aligns organizational goals with a well-defined vision and comprehensive planning. Much like the first day of school, where a teacher outlines the syllabus for the year, this phase involves assessing the current state and change at hand, creating a project charter, and articulating the “what,” “why,” and “how” of the change. By developing a clear roadmap and a detailed communication timeline, we lay the groundwork for transformation, ensuring everyone understands the journey ahead.
Just as students engage in orientation to familiarize themselves with new information and routines, the Pilot phase is a critical learning opportunity. We test and gather feedback through various listening modalities and fine-tune strategies before full-scale implementation. Change influencers—like classroom leaders or homeroom teachers—are identified to champion the initiative, fostering an environment of support and influence throughout the firm.
When it’s time for the Launch phase, the firm takes a bold step into the future, much like students diving into a new academic year. Implementation begins, and the communication plan is activated. Closed-loop listening ensures robust feedback to inform refinements needed.
Finally, in the Sustain phase, the focus shifts to long-term success. Just as teachers measure student progress throughout the year, we measure the success of the approach, celebrate achievements, and continuously improve. This sustained effort solidifies the change and inspires ongoing commitment to the change.
By embracing the back-to-school mindset, firms can approach change with the same energy and optimism that fuels a successful academic year. This fresh perspective encourages engagement, minimizes risks, and drives performance—paving the way for a more aligned future.
what’s inside counts