Unlocking the Power of Change Management: Insights from Archos Advisors

“Organizations don’t change; it’s the people within them that change.” – Diane Brown

In the latest episode of Innovation Insights, host Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, welcomes Diane Brown, Managing Principal, and David Graham, Principal, from Archos Advisors, to delve into the essential role of change management in driving successful organizational transformations.

Understanding Change Management
Change management is more than just a buzzword. As Diane Brown explains, it involves applying a structured approach to transition an organization from its current state to a desired future state, ultimately driving specific outcomes. “Organizations don’t change; it’s the people within them that change,” says Brown. This focus on the people side of change is crucial for achieving the desired results of any innovation initiative.

The Pace of Change
David Graham highlights the increasing pace of change in today’s business environment. With over two decades of experience in organizational development, Graham emphasizes that the rapid rate of change requires firms to be more agile and adaptable than ever before. “We specialize in working with professional service firms, particularly CPA firms, to help them navigate these changes and drive organizational performance through people,” he explains.

The Role of Neuroscience
A unique aspect of Archos Advisors’ approach is their incorporation of neuroscience into change management. Graham elaborates on the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on new experiences. “Any successful change in behavior requires functional neuroplastic change,” he states. This process involves setting clear goals, making consistent efforts, repeating new behaviors, and ensuring ongoing support to prevent reversal.

Engaging Leadership
A common challenge in change management is securing leadership buy-in. Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder and inspiration architect of the Center for Accounting Transformation, points out that leaders often question the need for structured change management, especially when previous changes seemed to occur naturally. Brown advises that addressing this requires framing the conversation in terms leaders understand, such as risk management and potential returns on investment. “It’s about demonstrating the risk of not doing change management,” she says.

Practical Steps and Real-World Examples
Brown and Graham offer practical steps for implementing change management, such as clear communication, engaging employees, and providing necessary training and support. They also share real-world examples, like outsourcing initiatives, to illustrate how these strategies can be applied effectively.

The Importance of Culture
The conversation also touches on the importance of cultivating a culture that supports change. According to Brown, organizations must align their core values with the need for adaptability and resilience. This alignment ensures that employees are not only prepared for change but are also motivated to embrace it.

The insights from Diane Brown and David Graham underscore the importance of a structured approach to change management in achieving organizational success. By focusing on both the technical and people aspects of change, organizations can reduce risks, engage their employees, and drive sustainable growth. For more information and to connect with Diane and David, visit Archos Advisors’ website.

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