Before you build a strong core team, map stakeholder resistance and support. People, departments or organizational units can be classified in accordance with their receptivity to change:
20%
60%
10%
10%
RESISTERS BYSTANDERS
HELPERS
CHAMPIONS
stakeholders that disrupt change
stakeholders with a neutral attitude towards change
stakeholders that encourage change
stakeholders that lead change
There is often a predictable distribution of people between the four classifications, with a predominance of bystanders in most organizations. Focus your change effort on bystanders - often the toughest to identify and mobilize - to generate a critical mass of support. Powerful resisters can derail a change effort. Nevertheless, all key stakeholders, including resisters, should be given the benefit of the doubt and provided with an opportunity to understand and support the change. Resisters often have valuable things to say and can provide a critical perspective on the issues. If anything, seek to “bring your enemies closer” by engaging them honestly in the process. After diagnosing the problem and mapping resistance and support, select and build a core change team composed of key stakeholders. This powerful group will be instrumental in developing the change vision and strategy. Position power Enlist people with power derived from formal reporting relationships and their ability to secure resources. Participation and support from the executive team can enable great progress. Conversely, if those with position power are not co-opted, they remain powerful unknowns with the power to block progress towards change. Expertise Enlist people with knowledge of the relevant subject matter. By recruiting experts, the team will make better, more credible decisions. Select individuals to your team based on the following characteristics (source: John Kotter):
Credibility Enlist people with a proven record in important organizational accomplishments.
Leadership Skill Enlist people with the ability to motivate, vision and empower.
Management Skill Enlist people who can plan and execute.
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