Leading an Effective Change Management Process

Starting an organizational consulting process may be intimidating at first. Bringing in a new person to the organization to take a primary role in leading an organizational change naturally raises many doubts and fears. Hence, to lead a successful change management process it is first and foremost vital to discuss any and all concerns with the consultant. The consultant cannot lead the desired changes without a partner that puts his full faith in the process and in the consultant. Therefore, an executive interesting in the process should be committed, candid about his fears, and must understand that leading a change takes time, effort and energy.

Secondly, the board of directors or management should be fully committed as well. Possibly they should all meet the consultant in a joint meeting or even in private. Their cooperation is crucial to the success of the project.

Thirdly, a project manager should be assigned to assist the consultant. He must be in a position of influence to assist in leading the change. Preferably he should be a board member, popular among the employees and have the availability and influence to assist the consultant in leading the change.

Fourthly, as part of the evaluation process, workers are often interviewed. There are two main reasons to conduct these interviews. One: The interviews provide better insight to the internal forces, power struggles, communication methods, barriers to the change and strengths that need preserving. Two: As the employees will often take part in the change, the more their voices are heard, the more they are committed to implementing the change.

The organization must realize that change management is a time and energy consuming process and therefore need to devote the time and necessary manpower to do so.

Being a consultant is a hard job and it requires being constantly alert, constant learning, recognizing underlying political and power struggles, motivational forces, strategies, strengths and barriers. Yet there is no better feeling than seeing an organization grow, learn, develop and succeed.