Continual change is an everyday reality of contemporary business. To effectively manage change, we should understand the difference between change management and change leadership.
According to the American Management Association (AMA) website, change management is a "set of tools and methodologies that are used to gradually make changes". While it is very strong in practice, it lags in practice. Change leadership is "the main driving force of any initiative for change that is transformative rather than gradual". It includes a vision of where the change should go, ensuring the conditions for its implementation and management of a team towards the actual business results.
Create a vision for change
A strategic vision of change is not only well-named goal or well-prepared document. It must be compelling, personally presented story describing new reality after successful completion of the change.
Involve top management
Before you start to prepare schedule of the change, its budget and planning resources, you should get management support. Only after getting approval for your plan, start with the details.
Assemble a team to implement changes
You need people who understand your organization as well as people with external experience who can bring view from outside. Set them a direction and let them to come with specific tactics.
Keep the change in motion
Big changes require constant energy and enthusiasm of their providers. Support them by regular celebrations of individual achievements and careful monitoring of real business benefits.
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