Anticipate the consequences of changing course
The first step: make sure that reversing the decision will
indeed be more advantageous that continuing along the same path. But
most of all, not to ignore resistance which will emerge. Who is
impacted by this change of course? What will have to be
reconsidered?
Communicate without pretense
Why change course? What is new in the situation? What have we
"sold"? What have we not foreseen? What do we risk in continuing? What
will we gain by taking a new direction?
These are the answers which will help the co-workers involved to
understand that the decision is not an "imperial decree" but rather the
conclusion of mature reflection. And that the head of
the enterprise accepts its part of the responsibility for both
the initial decision and for the one that annuls it. What's important is
to see that there is indeed a pilot at the controls!
Recognize the work accomplished
A piece of work which is not put to use generally loses its
meaning for the person who produced it, who may feel let down by the
organization. This is why it essential to consider everyone's
contributions and if possible to identify what benefit they have
brought and/or will bring in another context.