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)

  1. 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?

  2. Retention Challenges

    Are there retention challenges that have not been addressed? Have there been significant unintended exits?

  3. Communication Effectiveness

    Is communication adequate, given the unavoidable constraints? How have employees responded to the joint website/newsletter?

  4. Performance Metrics

    Has the site experienced any significant dips in performance/productivity/safety/quality since Announcement?

  5. Closure Activities

    What type of "endings" ceremonies/mechanisms are planned (if any) at this site? (Example: celebration to honor Target's past)

  6. 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

  1. Announce with Honesty
  2. Address the Uncertainty Created
  3. Make the Key Decisions Quickly
  4. Identify What’s Changing and What’s Not
  5. Analyze the Impact on All Stakeholder Groups
  6. Help People Make Sense of the Changes
  7. Implement the Changes
  8. Design and Achieve “Early Wins” and Celebrate Successes
  9. Gather Feedback / Continuously Improve

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