Embracing Change
As a martial arts school owner, you will discover new methods, procedures, and processes that you want to implement to improve your school. How you manage these changes will significantly impact their success, how well they are received, and your stress level.
Remember, your current students and staff are comfortable with the way things are now. If you have been losing students due to long classes or outdated methods, you may realize the need for change.
However, the remaining students appreciate the current system. They are not training for your future; they are training for theirs. Here are some strategies to help you implement change smoothly:
Tuition Increases
Start tuition increases with the lowest-ranking students first. This way, new, higher-paying students will gradually replace older, lower-paying students. If you must raise tuition for everyone, give at least 30-days notice and allow students to "beat the tuition increase" by purchasing a year in advance at the current rate.
Curriculum Changes
Begin curriculum changes with the lowest-ranking students. To them, it won't be a change. As they advance in the new curriculum, they will become the majority, making the new program the norm within a year.
Consider grandfathering some students or ranks into the new program to avoid losing them.
Handling Resistance
"Fire" students or parents who unreasonably resist changes. They can corrupt other students and exacerbate your problems. Use student surveys as a catalyst for change.
Craft survey questions to introduce the idea of change, making students feel involved in the process. This way, you can truthfully say, "In response to our survey, we are implementing these changes."
