6 minute read
How to successfully manage change and enable digital transformation within pharma
Change is an essential aspect of any business, and learning to manage it effectively will be key for long-term success. Getting your team on board with change and digital transformation requires careful planning and effective communication across many levels. By following the steps listed here, you can ensure that your team is ready and willing to embrace any change that comes their way. |
by Monica Jackson
17 July 23
17 July 23
Pharmaceutical companies operate in a highly competitive environment. To remain successful, these organisations must continuously innovate and adapt to market changes and evolving customer needs — particularly when it comes to their digital products, strategies and operations. As such, change management is an integral part of their business strategy.
However, implementing big changes within pharma, or indeed any sector, can be challenging. Due to the heavily regulated nature of the sector, there can be an ingrained resistance to change and cultural aversion to risk. It’s therefore crucial to communicate effectively with your team to ensure their support and engagement in the change process.
Change is inevitable. Whether it is implementing new technologies, restructuring teams, or introducing new digital strategies, change can be a challenging process. The success of any change initiative depends on the willingness and readiness of team members to embrace it.
Here, we’ll explore the steps you can take to get your team on board during periods of change and give your initiatives the best chance of success.
Start with a clear vision and purpose
Before embarking on any change initiative, it is essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. What are the goals of the change, and how will it benefit the organisation? It is essential to communicate this vision to your team in a clear and concise manner. This will help them understand why the change is necessary and what it means for the organisation.
Involve your team in the planning process
When planning for change, it is crucial to involve your team in the process. Ask for their input and feedback, and encourage them to contribute their ideas. This will help them feel invested in the change process and more likely to support the initiative. It will also help you identify any potential roadblocks and ensure that the change is feasible and practical.
Communicate effectively
One of the most critical aspects of change management is communication. As a leader in pharma, you must communicate effectively with your team to ensure they understand why the change is necessary and how it will benefit the company. On an ongoing basis, it is essential to keep your team informed about the progress of the initiative, any updates, and any challenges you encounter.
Be open and transparent about the reasons for the change and what it means for the organisation. Make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them and the role they will play in the change process.
Provide training and support
Introducing a big change can be overwhelming for some. Providing training and support can help alleviate any fears or anxieties and make the transition smoother. Ensure that your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the new environment. This may involve providing training sessions, workshops, or one-on-one coaching.
Getting buy in from your customers for a new technology or platform, for example, will only be possible if your customer-facing teams have the same buy-in and confidence from the outset.
Celebrate success
It is essential to celebrate the success of the change initiative to keep your team motivated and engaged. Take the time to recognise and reward the significant contributions and efforts of your team members. This will help build morale and reinforce the benefits of the change initiative.
Anticipate resistance
Not everyone will be excited about the change. Anticipate resistance and have a plan in place to address any concerns or objections. Listen to your team members' feedback and address any issues they may have. Be open to making adjustments to the plan if necessary, and work collaboratively to find solutions.
Within pharma, changes often impact multiple departments, including research and development, manufacturing, and commercialisation. Therefore, it is essential to involve all relevant stakeholders in the change process and listen to their feedback. This will help you identify any potential roadblocks and ensure that the change is feasible and practical.
Lead by example
As a leader, it is crucial to lead by example and model the behaviour you want to see in your team members. This means embracing the change and demonstrating a positive attitude towards it. This will help build trust and credibility with your team members and ensure they remain motivated and engaged throughout the change process.
Think creatively about how you communicate change
To effectively engage team members in change management, it’s crucial to utilise the appropriate mediums to capture their attention.
One effective method is through visually dynamic and educational videos that highlight key changes within the business, or showcasing tools that will be launched to support them and emphasising their benefits. Things such as infographics can also be employed to explain the change process and provide information on where to find additional resources.
It’s essential to think outside the box and leverage internal communication channels creatively to reach team members. By doing so, you can reassure them that change is a positive force, benefiting both their personal growth and the success of the business.
Final thoughts
Change is an essential aspect of any business, and learning to manage it effectively will be key for long-term success. Getting your team on board with change and digital transformation requires careful planning and effective communication across many levels. By following the above steps, you can ensure that your team is ready and willing to embrace any change that comes their way.
If you’re looking for an experienced partner who can support and guide you throughout your digital transformation so you can deliver on both business and customer goals, get in touch.
