We are seeing KFC make some subtle changes to its corporate image with the most recent updating of its corporate logo. Slightly different colours, slightly different outfit and some subtle artistic changes to the iconic features of Colonel Sanders have combined to create a snappy new look for the the finger licking good people at KFC. They have really done this change well and there is a lot that we can all learn from their strategy for when we anticipate introducing any change in our organisations.
- They have kept enough of what is familiar so that we can still recognise where we have come from. Too much of what is unfamiliar doesn't allow people time to transition. Allow people to be able to keep some of what they already know but introduce enough change to allow them to make a positive difference in their lives.
- They don't change for change sake. This is only the fifth change in five decades. No one could accuse KFC of just trying to keep up with the latest trends. Change must have a reason and this must be clearly articulated and be in line with reality. I used to work as a teacher and saw a number of new learning iniatives imposed on the staff. They didn't really work mainly because the teachers could see that the changes were only glossy coatings that required surface adjustments but in the end only created unneccessary work.
- Keep your core purpose. KFC stands for chicken. Everyone knows it there is no confusion about what you get when you get KFC. This is true of any organisational change. It must be seen to fit with what is the organisation's core purpose and this must be clearly articulated by its leadership.
I have just started reading Ken Blanchard's book on the changes that were introduced organisationally when, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell were spun off into a new company. It will be interesting to see how this latest development fits with what he wrote about them a couple of years ago. KFC is obviously seeking to position itself in a new way in the fast food marketplace. It is already crowded so it will be exciting to see if such an established brand will be able to push into new markets successfully.