what makes a good change manager?
Change Management is complex.
The third, and final article in this series, focusses on the Change Manager role. The role of a Change Manager is crucial.
From my experience, the Top Skills for a Successful Change Manager are:
Deep understanding of the Change Methodologies and Principles: Each change initiative demands a unique approach. A Change Manager must be adept at designing frameworks tailored to the specific change, utilising methodologies such as Kotter, ADKAR, and Nudge.
Effective Storytelling and Communication: A Change Manager must excel in storytelling to guide people through the change journey with clear, consistent, and frequent communication. Utilising all available channels ensures everyone is informed and engaged. On large projects, a dedicated Specialist Change Communications person is often necessary to build engagement and maintain momentum.
Strong Relationship Building: The Change Manager needs to build relationships with all stakeholders involved. Each group requires tailored engagement strategies. The Change manager also needs to identify supporters versus detractors, early adopters versus laggards, and assess their readiness for change.
Agile Project Management: Flexibility and adaptability are key. A Change Manager must be able to adjust plans quickly while keeping the project on track.
Training and workshop facilitation: Providing strategic input into the training program is essential to ensure each employee is comfortable with new processes. Overcoming resistance to training, especially from an aging workforce reluctant to upskill, is a critical skill.
Risk Mitigaton: Recognising and mitigating risks to the program, budget, and timeline is a daily task for a Change Manager.
In addition to these skills, a Change Manager should possess qualities like empathy, openness to feedback, active listening, transparency, leadership, and emotional management. Above all, passion for change is essential.
So, while my list is far from complete, I hope it shade some light on the complexity of the Change Manager role, and why, when choosing a Change Manager, you need to find someone, not only with the accreditation but also with the right qualities.
Why choose VB Consulting
My passion for change started when I studied Lean and became a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Later, I studied Change Management as part of my MBA and followed through with an APMG Change Management Practitioner accreditation. As a consultant, I have led many Transformational Projects in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore across many industries and sectors.
