Dialogue is the “oxygen of change.” Internal change champions, who influence others without authority, demonstrate and communicate the project benefits, including:
· the big picture,
· honest assessment of current state, and
· the light at the end of the tunnel.
Their level of involvement is proportional to how quickly you want to move, as well as how much resistance you anticipate (John Kotter and Leonard Schlesinger, HBR). They must know, understand and effectively balance the conflicting stakeholder needs, focusing on three areas:
1. Head:
· Rational-analytical side of change
· Definable reasons
· Connect and influence
2. Heart:
· Motivational
· Emotional commitment
· Gains vs. loss analysis
3. Hands:
· Capabilities required to execute new processes
· Behaviors needed to implement a new strategy
· Set goals and provide feedback
Do your organization’s change champions influence through head, heart and hands?
