Post-Merger Integration Success is. . .
Outstanding integration planning and execution while also Winning the hearts and minds of the people who will make the deal work.
Leadership Checklist
Business Unit Leaders should:
- Articulate a compelling business rationale for the deal
- Create a magnetic vision for the combined organization that people are attracted to and want to be part of going forward
- Make key decisions quickly regarding organizational structure, staffing, product rationalization, core processes, resource allocation, culture, and performance management
- Develop a structure and plan for implementing those changes, gather feedback, and correct course as required
- Design "early wins" to create energy and demonstrate the potential of the combined organization
Management Checklist
Business Unit Managers should:
- Help people make sense of what's changing and what's not
- Communicate even when there are more questions than answers
- Perform despite distractions and distress
- Retain key talent and core customers without over-promising
- Model the attitudes and behaviors you expect from others
Employee Checklist
Employees should:
- Give the deal and your management team the benefit of the doubt
- Spend your energy and attention on things you can control
- Ask for the information and resources you need to stay focused and productive
- Remain positive and optimistic
- Minimize rumors, speculation, and gossip
Announce to Close (by site)
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Current Status Assessment
How are people at this site acting/feeling today? What is the mood? What are people saying? What rumors are circulating? How is morale?
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Retention Challenges
Are there retention challenges that have not been addressed? Have there been significant unintended exits?
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Communication Effectiveness
Is communication adequate, given the unavoidable constraints? How have employees responded to the joint website/newsletter?
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Performance Metrics
Has the site experienced any significant dips in performance/productivity/safety/quality since Announcement?
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Closure Activities
What type of "endings" ceremonies/mechanisms are planned (if any) at this site? (Example: celebration to honor Target's past)
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Pre-Close Initiatives
What other initiatives are planned at this site prior to Close? (Examples might include performance reviews, major projects being completed, etc.)
Winning Hearts and Minds
- Announce with Honesty
- Address the Uncertainty Created
- Make the Key Decisions Quickly
- Identify What’s Changing and What’s Not
- Analyze the Impact on All Stakeholder Groups
- Help People Make Sense of the Changes
- Implement the Changes
- Design and Achieve “Early Wins” and Celebrate Successes
- Gather Feedback / Continuously Improve