The business world is a constant sprint. If you’re not pushing forward with fresh ideas and new initiatives, you get left in the dust. That’s why innovation isn’t some fancy jargon anymore, it’s the lifeblood of any successful company.
As HR and engagement professionals, we’re ground zero for this forward motion. We’re the ones who take those sparks of creativity and turn them into real, impactful changes that propel the company forward to greater lands. New initiatives are a huge part of that, but let’s be real, getting them to work can feel like throwing mud at the wall and hoping something sticks.
Making your new initiatives land: The not-so-secret formula
So, how do we transform these new initiatives from potential flops to resounding successes? Here are a few battle-tested tips that we here at Wotter have learned along the way:
- Know your why before you fly: Before you launch headfirst into any new initiative, get laser-focused on the “why.” What problem are you trying to solve? How will this initiative make the company a better place? This “why” is your North Star, guiding everything you do from the planning stages to explaining it to the team. Finding the why is tricky, but with an engagement platform like Wotter, you’ll know your problem areas before you set off.
- Get everyone on board the new initiative train: Communication, communication, communication! Let’s face it, change can be scary. That’s why employee buy-in is absolutely essential for the success of any new initiative. You are the champions for positive change, but you can’t do it alone. Create open forums and encourage two-way communication where people can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens the initiative itself, but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and excitement within the team.
- Learn from the past (even the not-so-stellar initiatives): There’s no need to reinvent the wheel every time. Take a good, hard look at what worked (and what didn’t) with past new initiatives. Analyse why things went south and what you can do better this time around. This growth mindset shows your team you’re a learning organisation, which is essential for fostering a culture of innovation.
- Change is tough, but we can do it (together): New initiatives often mean new ways of working, and people naturally resist change at first. As HR and business leaders, you need to be empathetic and supportive. Clear communication is key: explain the benefits of the new initiative, keep everyone updated on progress, and provide the resources and training people need to feel confident with the changes.
- Measure up, but not just with numbers: Launching a new initiative is just the first step. We need to track how it’s doing and what impact it’s having on the company. Wotter’s action tracking tool is a great way to make sure you’re on the path you want to be on, and are getting the maximum ROI! But don’t get bogged down in just the numbers. Use surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one chats to understand how the initiative is affecting people’s day-to-day work. This feedback is invaluable for fine-tuning your approach and keeping the initiative moving in the right direction.
The final word: Let’s make new initiatives an adventure!
Launching new initiatives can be a whirlwind, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. We’re not just changing things, we’re building the future of the company. It takes patience, resilience, and a deep understanding of the people we work with. But with an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on making things better, we can turn every new initiative into a springboard for innovation. So, let’s get out there and transform our workplaces, together!
If you want to hear from the best of the best on how they decide new initiatives (and much more) – check out the Wotter Future podcast here!
