8 Ways To Be A Good Change Agent

8 Ways To Be A Good Change Agent

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Project management and change management are inextricably linkedevery project changes the status quoand PMs often find themselves managing the effects of change as much as the implementation of change itself. Use these tips to embrace your role as a change agent.

1 Understand the impact of change. Youre changing how people work and/or interact with their environment, and you shouldnt assume that you know how changes will affect others. Instead, talk at length with end users to be sure you truly understand their concerns. Youll move on to other things once the project is complete, but your end users will be living with your changes for a long time.

2 Acknowledge the impact of change. End users frequently need time to assimilate to changes in systems or processes. They may attend training sessions, deal with downtime during cutovers, and cope with a learning curve. These are real and tangible issues for your users, and ignoring or dismissing them will quickly sap your credibility. Consider incorporating additional implementation support into your project, and provide whatever help you can to ensure a smooth transition.

3 Take responsibility for change and its impact. Blaming the executive team for foisting difficult change on an organization will quickly infuriate end users, senior staff, and your boss. Instead, address concerns head on. Explain why change is needed, and be prepared to tactfully defend your reasoning. Some people dont accept change easilyyou may have some difficult conversations to endure, but remember that your team is experienced and capable, and your project will result in long-term benefits.

4 Own your problems. Things wont always go your way, so dont pretend otherwise. By acknowledging glitches and issues, others will see that youre logical, diligent, and realistic. This helps to ensure good teamwork when problems arise, and youll be more likely to overcome obstacles with your reputation (and project deliverables) intact. Its more important to learn from your mistakes than to hide from them.

5 Believe in the changes youre making. If you cant envision a positive post-change landscape, then no one else involved in your projectfellow team members, stakeholders, or end userswill, either. Your commitment to implementing positive change, and your ability to successfully defend your long-term vision, will be necessary to see you through the questions and challenges that others may throw at you.

6 Paint a clear picture of the post-change world. People outside your team may not understand all the positive changes your project will make. Take the time to demonstrate the benefits your end users and stakeholders will reap once your project has changed their environment. Improved working conditions, better efficiency, and lower costs might all be long-term plusses. Scour the landscape for potential benefits, and be sure you let others know about them.

7 Remember that change isnt always necessary. Dont undertake a project simply because its there. If current systems and processes are efficient and effective, then selling others on the benefits of change will be difficult. Your credibility will suffer if you embrace every opportunity for change that comes along, oreven worseforce change where none is needed.

8 Accept the status quo if changes cant be made. Changes might not be feasible right here, right now. If thats the case, then keep any negative comments to yourself. Youll be seen as a team player and gain more respect if you take on challenges youre likely to win, and learn to make the most of those you arent. Griping about situations you cant change will only undermine morale, both your teams as well as your own.

About the Author:
PMAlliance, Inc. is a project management consulting, project management training and project office development company.



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