With the Affordable Care Act rolling out, the job market improving, and talent retention receiving a higher priority, a number of change initiatives will be implemented within organizations to help manage these issues, according to ClearRock Inc., a leadership development and outplacement firm headquartered in Boston.

However, as many as 7 out of 10 change initiatives do not fully achieve their desired objectives, according to ClearRock's research.

Change initiatives should follow these seven principles to improve their implementation and results:

1. Acquire broad-based support. Change programs often do not realize their desired goals because they lack buy-in from those affected by them. Changes should be introduced to those who will be impacted and they need to be given sufficient opportunity for reaction and input.

2. Ask employees for solutions to problems. One of the biggest complaints employees have is that they feel they do not have input into decisions that affect them. Present the problem to employees and seek their input into potential solutions, rather than issuing top-down directives.

3. Build a mandate for change. Encourage others to accept change and help them understand its benefits and advantages to them.

4. Lead by example. Changes, especially ones that may be painful for employees, will be more successful when management leads by example and shows how they are being affected by them.

5. Manage the impact of change on others. Change requires patience and a willingness to give it the time it requires to succeed.

6. Communicate everything often. Both the benefits and any possible disadvantages of change programs must be communicated frequently to all organizational levels.

7. Provide a forum for reaction. Employees need the opportunity to share information with each other and management, ask questions, and discuss issues of concern. Employees' comfort level with change rises when information is shared, questions are answered and concerns are addressed.

About ClearRock Inc.
ClearRock Inc. is a Boston-based leadership development and outplacement firm that is recognized for genuinely caring about the people we work with. What truly sets ClearRock apart is our customized approach. Factoring in everything from career goals to client and consultant/coach compatibility, we tailor action plans for every organization and individual we work with. Our mission is to become, and to continue being, long-term advisors to our clients, while providing the highest quality career consulting and executive coaching services in the industry. For more information, visit www.clearrock.com.