Even when advance planning has been done, the wise leader will accept improvements to the plan if they are offered. Using reference groups to explore possible changes makes change more effective. People will not be as impressed by research reports as they will observation reports, especially if the observations have been by peers. Pilot projects done with a small group, where everyone is kept informed and even has a chance to observe the pilot projects will make change more effective. This removes many of the objections to change if the people can see a successful pilot project.
Field trips can help to make change less dramatic.
Maintain communication in planning for and making changes. When making changes keep everyone informed, and be sure all the communication is truthful. A positive image about the change by the leadership team will help to produce an effective change. If some of the major leaders are not convinced about the need for the change, and are voicing that opinion, it can cause problems in the process. Use a trial balloon to announce a planned change.