The influence model is a change management framework you can use to navigate the shifts in people, processes, and focus when an organization must begin to operate much differently than it has in the past. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the influence model is, how you can use it, and why it’s an important tool for business owners who want to lead their organizations through times of change.
What is the Influence Model?
The influence model is a change management framework that was first developed by McKinsey & Company. The framework is designed to help organizations navigate the shift from one way of operating to another. When an organization must begin to operate much differently than it has in the past, there can be a lot of resistance from employees who are used to doing things a certain way. The influence model helps business owners overcome this resistance by fostering understanding and conviction, reinforcing with formal mechanisms, developing talent and skills, and role modeling.
How Can You Use the Influence Model?
There are four main ways you can use the influence model to lead change in your organization:
Foster understanding and conviction
One of the most important things you can do when leading change is to ensure that your employees understand why the change is necessary and what benefits it will bring. You can do this by sharing information about the changes that are coming and why they are needed, holding town hall meetings to answer questions and address concerns, and sending regular updates via email or an intranet site.
Reinforce with formal mechanisms
Once you’ve fostered understanding and conviction among your employees, you need to reinforce those messages with formal mechanisms such as policies, procedures, and training programs. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected of them during this time of transition.
Develop talent and skills
As your organization begins to operate differently, you may need to develop new talent and skills within your workforce. This could involve training existing employees on new software or processes, hiring new employees with the necessary skillsets, or sending employees to conferences or workshops where they can learn from experts in the field.
Role model
Finally, it’s important that you role model the behavior you want to see from your employees. If you’re asking them to be more customer-centric, make sure you’re exhibiting that behavior yourself. If you’re asking them to be more innovative, make sure you’re giving them the space to be creative. Leading by example will go a long way in getting your employees on board with the changes that are happening in your organization.
Conclusion
The influence model is a powerful tool for business owners who want to lead their organizations through times of change. By fostering understanding and providing reinforcement through formal mechanisms, developing talent and skills within your workforce, and role modeling desired behavior, you can overcome resistance and ensure a smooth transition for your company.
