The paragraphs following below are quoted from a speech, Prof. Dr. Klewes recently gave to Russian managers, Moscow.

Spelling C H A N G E

Change is more than a buzzword. In fact, successfully delivering change is about precise, well-thought-out execution. In order to be an effective change manager there are some principles to be followed, I want to present you. To make them easy to remember, we abbreviated these six recommendations into an acronym, which – by accident – forms the word C H A N G E.

C: Communicate the need for change – and a clear vision.

To avoid resistance, anxiety and confusion, it is essential to explain the reasons for change to our employees. Have a clear vision of what shall be achieved in the future and communicate how to get there in an understandable way. My experience is, the simpler you do this, the better.

H: Honest Feedback.

Never ever stop sharing information within your company at any time, even if you are falling behind your plan. Cristal clear honesty is the most important resource needed to build up trust and credibility during the change process.

A: Alliance building.

No one can achieve successful change alone – you have to find a group of people supporting you, who go out and talk about the need to change, who travel and explain the vision, strategy and specific steps on the way towards your goal.

N: Nurturing small initiatives.

Change is kind of a trial-and-error process. Therefore, small de-central initiatives are most suitable in order to make the entire process successfully. Different regions and different departments require different and adequate solutions.

G: Give and take support.

Be it central resources, staff or money or be it simply management attention and advice – giving each initiative adequate support is essential for change management. Change cannot be executed without passion and enthusiasm, so give support and seek support actively.

E: Efficiency and 80:20 rule.

Change is never perfect and in change communication not everything has to be perfect. So, keep it simple. Efficient change means to employ your resources very consciously and to avoid any exaggeration.

This is how I would spell C H A N G E.