Lessons from the Greek Experience: Building Change Management Awareness in Emerging Markets
Change management is a relatively new concept in many parts of the world, and Greece is no exception. Despite the growing global recognition of the importance of structured change management practices, Greece remains in the early stages of understanding and implementing these principles.
I want to share my journey and efforts to build change management awareness in Greece, highlighting the current immaturity of the field, the steps taken to raise awareness through education, workshops, and public presentations, as well as the initial successes and ongoing challenges we face.
The Current State of Change Management in Greece
Change management, as a discipline, is still in its embryonic stage in Greece. In most business environments, it is often misunderstood or seen as an optional add-on rather than a critical component of successful project execution. Historically, Greek businesses have been slow to adopt new management practices, and change management is no exception. This reluctance is partly cultural; Greeks are known for their ability to spot problems quickly but are equally known for their resistance to adopting new solutions.
In the educational sphere, change management is barely touched upon. In most MBA programs, it is relegated to only a few lesson hours spaced over a six-month period. This brief introduction is insufficient to instil a deep understanding or appreciation of the discipline’s importance. Until recently, there was only one certified change management professional in the entire country, and dedicated change management positions within organisations were virtually non-existent.
This was the landscape I encountered when I decided to take on the challenge of raising awareness and promoting the adoption of change management practices in Greece.
Raising Awareness Through Education, Workshops, and Publicity
Understanding the need for a grassroots approach to building awareness, my first step was to leverage social media and other online platforms to start a conversation about change management. I shared articles, case studies, and insights on the benefits of structured change management, aiming to reach a broad audience.
Recognising the importance of formal education, I collaborated with a leading consulting and education company in Greece, to introduce a comprehensive change management course covering the basic principles and tools needed to manage change effectively. The goal was to attract executives, project managers, and HR professionals who could then champion change management within their organisations.
In addition to the formal course, I organised a series of workshops and public presentations. These events were designed to provide a more hands-on, interactive introduction to change management. By focusing on real-world applications and case studies, attendees could see the tangible benefits of these practices. These workshops covered various topics, including managing resistance, engaging stakeholders, and measuring the success of change initiatives.
One of the key strategies in these sessions was to connect change management with familiar concepts like project management and restructuring. Many Greek businesses have undergone significant restructuring efforts, especially during the economic crisis. By showing how change management principles could enhance these processes and lead to better outcomes, I was able to make the concept more relatable and easier to grasp.
Initial Successes
The response to these efforts has been promising. Slowly but surely, more companies are starting to see the value of structured change management. The introduction of formal training programs and workshops has begun to shift perceptions. Attendees of the workshops have reported a greater understanding of the importance of change management and expressed a willingness to apply these principles in their own projects.
A significant milestone was the establishment of a dedicated change management department by a multinational professional services network in Greece. This department was created to support extensive digital transformation projects in the public and private sectors. The company’s decision to invest in change management and hire dedicated professionals has created a ripple effect, raising awareness and setting a precedent for other organisations to follow.
Moreover, the feedback from participants in the Change Management course I spearheaded has been overwhelmingly positive. Many executives and project managers have noted that the course provided them with practical tools and strategies that they could immediately apply to their work. This initial success has encouraged me to continue expanding these educational efforts.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. The cultural resistance to change is deeply ingrained and will not be overcome overnight. Many business leaders still view change management with scepticism, considering it an unnecessary expense rather than a valuable investment. This perception is exacerbated by the fact that change management is not yet a well-established profession in Greece.
One of the biggest hurdles is the need to quickly demonstrate the monetary value of change management. In a business environment where financial performance is paramount, it is crucial to show how change management can lead to cost savings, increased efficiency, and better project outcomes. This requires not only educating business leaders but also providing concrete examples and data to back up these claims.
Another challenge is the lack of formal measurement and evaluation of change management initiatives. Currently, the success of change projects is often gauged by the absence of failure rather than the presence of measurable benefits. This makes it difficult to build a compelling case for the proactive adoption of change management practices.
Moreover, the scarcity of certified change management professionals means that there is a limited pool of experts to drive these initiatives forward. This is slowly changing, with more individuals seeking certification from organisations like Prosci and the Association of Change Management Professionals, but there is still a long way to go.
The Way Forward
To sustain and grow the awareness and adoption of change management in Greece, continued effort and strategic initiatives are essential. One of the key strategies moving forward is to strengthen partnerships with universities and professional organisations. By integrating change management more deeply into business education programs and offering more specialised courses, we can cultivate a new generation of change management professionals.
Additionally, it is important to continue building a community of practice around change management. Creating forums, both online and offline, where professionals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes will help to build momentum and foster a deeper understanding of the discipline. The change management social media platforms have been particularly valuable in this regard, providing access to a global network of change management practitioners.
Expanding the reach of workshops and public presentations is also crucial. By targeting industry-specific events and collaborating with sector-specific organisations, we can tailor our message to the unique needs and challenges of different industries. This approach will help to demonstrate the versatility and applicability of change management across various sectors.
Furthermore, it is essential to develop more robust methods for measuring the success of change management initiatives. By providing businesses with clear, quantifiable metrics, we can make a stronger case for the value of these practices. This includes not only measuring financial performance but also assessing factors like employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and overall project success.
Finally, leveraging the momentum created by early adopters is vital. Highlighting their successes and sharing their stories can serve as powerful testimonials for the effectiveness of change management. These case studies can be used in presentations, publications, and marketing materials to illustrate the real-world benefits of adopting structured change management practices.
In Closing…
Building change management awareness in an emerging market like Greece is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. While the field is still in its infancy, the efforts to promote and educate about change management are beginning to bear fruit. Through a combination of social media campaigns, formal education programs, workshops, and public presentations, we are gradually shifting perceptions and encouraging the adoption of these vital practices.
The journey is far from over, and significant challenges remain. However, with continued effort, strategic partnerships, and a focus on demonstrating tangible benefits, we can build a strong foundation for change management in Greece. By sharing our experiences and learning from the successes and failures along the way, we can contribute to the global advancement of this crucial discipline.