Six Key Factors of Change Management

There is a science and an art to achieving real, meaningful change. The art lies in knowing how to design the change management process – and how to facilitate it so that real change occurs. The science lies in knowing the key factors of success and applying them rigorously. This tool lays out the six key factors for success and details the specific questions and issues under each factor.

Note: This is not a linear checklist. Keep asking these questions at every point in the process.

1. Clarity of Roles

• Who should be at the table, planning the change?
• Are the right people at the table?
• Who ultimately decides?
• Who are other key stakeholders?
• What is the decision-making process?

2. Clarity of Vision

• What does success look like?
• Why is the status quo not acceptable?
• What is the vision? How will people or society benefit if the change is achieved?
• How does the vision translate into specific benefits or costs?

3. Strong Champions

• Are the leaders of the organization involved?
• Do those leaders champion the change even when the going gets tough?
• Are other people with broad influence also championing the change?

4. Sufficient Resources

• Is there sufficient time for people to meet and resolve the issues that need to be resolved?
• Is there enough money to hire consultants to guide and facilitate the process?
• Once the plan is approved, are there resources with which to implement it?

5. Engagement

• Are staff and others who will implement the change engaged in examining options and developing recommendations?
• Are key outside groups and stakeholders also engaged?

6. Communication

• Throughout the process, are people informed?
• Does everyone have a clear idea of the steps in the process and people’s decision-making responsibilities?
• Is the communication proactive – not reactive?

LRI’s consulting is designed to achieve real, meaningful change for our clients.

Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas is the senior partner and founder of Leading Resources Inc., a consulting firm that focuses on developing high-performing organizations. For more than 20 years, Eric has successfully helped a wide array of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations achieve breakthroughs in performance. His new book The Leadership Equation helps leaders achieve strategic clarity, manage change effectively, and build a leadership culture.