octobernovember2022 - 23

FEATURE
4
Steps to Successfully Implement and
Manage Change in the Workplace
By Clayton Crouch and Carla Caldwell
AS HUMAN BEINGS, it's natural to be averse to change.
So it's no surprise that when you introduce new initiatives
in the workplace, it can often become a battle for
time, attention, and buy-in from employees.
Whether it's starting a workflow, introducing technology or migrating
your business to the cloud, inertia often gets in the way of successfully
implementing a new routine. This is especially true during tax season,
when even the most structured practices have to prioritize urgent tasks
that leave no time for new initiatives.
Despite these challenges, change is necessary to stay competitive and
efficient, especially as new technologies continue to emerge. Here are four
management tips for change that can help you successfully adopt new tools
and help your firm thrive.
IT'S NOT JUST ANOTHER NEW INITIATIVE
When thinking about communicating an upcoming change to employees,
it's crucial to start by establishing why the change is important in the first
place. You want to differentiate the initiative from other optional activities
that can be disregarded. This way, your entire
firm can embrace the new program despite
their busy days and deadlines.
The easiest and most important way to
do this is through messaging. If you're rolling
out a new technology, for example, make
sure to reiterate its potential impacts in all
meetings, not just those that are specifically
about the tool. You want everyone involved
in the process, so position this technology as
a priority whenever possible so it permeates
your firm's identity.
At smaller practices, it's important when
establishing a change not to take your foot off
the gas because you think " everyone knows "
about upcoming adjustments. At larger firms, you'll want to bring in key
players to help you disseminate the information to the full team.
IDENTIFY THE OWNER
From start to finish, all successful initiatives need a distinct owner who can
lead the change with authority within your firm. Whether it's a new policy
or an application that's being installed on work devices, you need someone
to be the face of the operation. Look for someone who can learn the ins and
outs of the subject matter, understands the resources available and makes
the best decisions for when, where and how to implement change.
This person should become synonymous with the initiative, and be
prepared to act as a liaison between employees, management, and any
third-party vendors involved. Over time, they can coach fellow employees
to create redundancy for the times they are unavailable.
ACCEPT THE HICCUPS
Just because your initiative is being prioritized and you have a dedicated
owner doesn't mean problems won't arise along the way. The reality is
that with any change there will be hiccups that are not anticipated, and
responding to them promptly is another piece of change management.
During these times, remember that not everything is going to be done
exactly the way you would do it and that even with specific processes in
place, everyone does things differently.
There will always be pitfalls throughout any project, so make sure to
schedule check-ins so that all necessary parties are communicating, and
empower your project owner to have the authority and tools to address
each situation individually.
CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS ALONG THE WAY
One of the most overlooked pieces of successful change management is the
importance of celebrating your wins. As accounting practitioners, it's often
" off we go " when moving onto the next step
of a project. As busy people, it's easy to forget
to celebrate achievements and recognize the
individuals who contributed to a new service
or application. But taking a moment to be
thankful and express gratitude for the work is
key to keeping spirits high and the ball rolling.
Not everyone needs to give a speech at
every milestone, but remember to stop and
celebrate what the team has accomplished.
INTEGRATING NEW IDEAS
Even with the most adaptable of employees,
change management takes time, dedication
and, above all, repetition. As technology
changes along with staffing and the rise of remote work, these skills will
benefit firms of all shapes and sizes.
It takes practice, but approaching change as a positive force rather than
an insurmountable task will ultimately lead to more efficiency and better
outcomes for your employees, clients, and practice. ■
Clayton Crouch, MBA is an Intuit Senior Solution Specialist who helps tax and accounting
firms understand and implement the right solutions based on their needs.
Carla Caldwell runs Caldwell Consulting & Training, LLC, which strategically guides
accounting teams to become modern practices.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 ■ www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
23
http://www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
octobernovember2022

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