A major road was closed during construction and detour signs were posted for an alternate route. Thus, substantial traffic was diverted to other roads but no accommodations were provided to facilitate flow on the new route. One of the two lanes could have been made into a temporary turn-only lane. The stoplights could have been re-timed at several intersections. Detour signs could have been placed further down the road to allow diversions before arriving at the road-closed point. Instead, it caused backups, delays, and frustrations.
We do this in organizations, too when we have a change but don’t attempt to lessen the inconvenience caused by the disruption. A system is taken offline while an upgrade is installed, but no preparations are made for smooth operations in the interim. We announce a reorganization but don’t account for the readjustment of invisible labor until new responsibilities are settled in. A household moves to a new address but the family experiences frustration when boxes aren’t labeled and things can’t be found.
Change is stressful enough without adding to it by overlooking the transition phase. The next time you plan a literal or metaphorical detour, take steps to realign the alternate route. People would be happier for the new road if it wasn’t such a hassle waiting for it to open.
