The Beauty and The Woes of Taking on a New OS (Operating System)

As the end of 2011 approaches, so does lots of change. With work at Bellacures, we are implementing the use of a new system which will change so many of what our staff is used to in our daily operations. In my personal life, I am also taking on a new operating system, a new way of interacting with the people in my life.

The last time we changed our OS at Bellacures, there was a bit of chaos. It is a challenge to think of all possible occurrences and how the new OS will function with each occurrence. So sometimes, when you forget something, your misstep becomes a customer service disaster.

Recently, I have become aware of some changes I need to make within myself to interact better with the close people in my life. These changes are just as scary as implementing a new OS in a chain of salons that are not closing during implementation but rather need to implement their new system seemingly flawless to customers during business hours with no testing period. In a way, the business is vulnerable for a period of time as it settles into the new OS. Similarly, I will become more vulnerable as I develop my connection with my close friends and family. With 2012 around the corner, I hope that all the changes being made will bring Bellacures closer to its customers and me closer to my loved ones.

Since I have changed operating systems once before, I do have some tips on how to make the process of making any changes in your business a bit more smooth:

1. Prepare as much as you can by outlining all possible occurrences and how your new system will interact with each occurrence
2. Develop a “how to” list for your staff to reference as they will have tons of questions
3. Leave room for error. How? Be flexible. The more rigid you are in your implementation, the less room you will leave for tweaks that need to be made from possible errors
4. Expect to learn from the process, even though you will be the one implementing the new system

These tips can apply to anything you implement in life as well. The beauty of changing any kind of OS, growth. The woe, chaos and vulnerability. Embrace both with grace.