Initiate and implement organizational change

By keeping the whole organization under review, you should notice changing requirements. When you do, initiate changes in policies and practices, and promote them to relevant staff, clients and stakeholders.

When you notice a need for a change, develop a strategy to successfully implement it. In your strategy, consider the following:

• What is the nature and scope of the need for change?
• What budgetary considerations affect it?
• Who do we have to consult, negotiate with. and communicate with?
• How will we address possible barriers?
• How can we promote the effects and benefits of change?
• What are the risks and how will we manage them?
• When you've made changes, put a process in place to evaluate the outcomes. Ask questions like, "Does it do what you expected? Is it better than previous performance?"

As primary change agent, you will need to give leadership and motivate people. This involves forming and maintaining good working relationships with staff and other stakeholders, while coordinating a complex range of issues and relationships and maintaining good organizational performance. In particular, you will need to communicate well when negotiating with senior level decision-makers, writing strategies with clear reasoning and precise expression, and giving presentations explaining changes to different audiences.

See Change   (Link opens new window.)