Jan 12 2010

Ways Change Agents Can Help Sponsors

As I wrote in my last post, even sponsors with lots of experience leading difficult transitions need the help of skilled change practitioners.

Sponsors are most effective when we help them:

Have a clear definition of the change. Effective sponsors must see the desired state clearly and understand the overall intent.

Recognize and express their dissatisfaction with the present state. Successful sponsors need to be keenly aware that the organization cannot afford to fail at the change; they have to be tenacious about fully realizing the initiative’s objectives and communicate effectively to the organization. more

Jan 06 2010

Do You Recognize These Characteristics of Successful Change Practitioners?

(3) Comments

Sponsors who aren’t adequately prepared for their role need our help. Even sponsors who have plenty of change experience and all the right “instincts” for orchestrating difficult transitions need help. They should be supported and guided by skilled change practitioners. So, what are the requirements for playing the change agent role, and how can we get better at it?

I’m going to focus on practitioners assigned to senior sponsors. Don’t get me wrong, change agents at all levels play important roles. It’s just that those who serve leaders in key positions (initiating and primary sustaining sponsors) are particularly important to the change success. more