How to manage change in a small business
You know something needs to change. Maybe it’s how your team works. Maybe it’s how the business runs. But when you try to shift things, it gets messy.
People resist. Progress stalls. You end up doing half the work yourself.
Change is hard in small businesses. Not because people are lazy, but because most teams are busy, stretched and unsure what the change really means. Here’s how to do it properly.
Start with why
If people don’t know why something is changing, they’ll stick to what they know.
Be clear about what’s not working. Share the bigger picture. Explain why this change matters right now.
You don’t need a deck. Just honest context that helps the team connect the dots.
Involve your team early
Change is easier when people feel part of it.
Bring your team into the process. Ask where the friction is. Get their input on what needs to shift. You’ll spot issues earlier and build stronger buy-in.
Break it down into clear steps
Change fails when it’s too vague.
Don’t say we need better systems. Say we’re mapping the onboarding process this week.
Don’t say we need more accountability. Say we’re starting weekly check-ins.
Be specific. Keep it moving. Show progress.
Keep showing up
You can’t announce change and walk away.
Talk about it in check-ins. Measure it. Acknowledge progress when you see it.
Most change doesn’t fail because it’s a bad idea. It fails because it loses attention.
Expect a bit of pushback
Not everyone will love it straight away. That’s normal.
Give people space to ask questions and raise concerns. Don’t take it personally. Stay consistent. Hold the line.
Final thought!
If you are serious about growing your business, you need to lead change well. That means direction, structure and habits that support the shift.
At Inpurpose, we help small businesses manage change without losing momentum. If that’s where you’re stuck, we can help.