Does your workplace have shoddy injury management plans – or none at all? Is there a culture of suspicion and mistrust surrounding return to work that needs correcting?

Then it’s time to make like David Bowie and ch-ch-change things. Identifying what needs improving in your workplace and start trying to achieve it.

How? Well, change is best reached strategically. First, find the people of influence at your workplace and the job will be much easier.

Work through people of influence to affect change; people take notice of ‘opinion leaders’.

The boss may be the person with influence. Alternatively, it may be someone on the factory floor, or one of the department managers. These people know that what they say carries weight, and getting them on side will make it more likely that your plans are implemented, and implemented smoothly.

But how do I identify who is influential? we hear you ask.

The simplest approach is simply to ask. Talk to others, find out which supervisor has the say, who in the union is influential, or which managers you need to get on board.

When you’ve identified that person:

• Engage;
• Collaborate; and
• Discuss the options.

Getting that person’s input will achieve better results than just stating what you need.

Test out your ideas with them, ask if they believe if modifications are needed. Find out how they think your plans can be best implemented, and ask who they consider you should talk to about implementation.

When it comes to approaching that person, find out the best way to go about it. Should you email or speak to them in person? Should you go through your manager or deal with the person directly?

Finally, identify any potential blockers. Who is influential and likely to interfere with your plans, or block what you want to achieve? Find out what their objections are and see what you can do to work with them to overcome those objections and get them on side. Engage the blocker and you’ll often have your best supporter.