While change management is supported by highly-developed theories, in practice it still struggles with problems. The question is whether it is the fault of the theory, or of the people who manage the changes. What should, therefore, a competent change manager know?
1. Ability to research
A change manager has to make difficult decisions. Guesses or the sixth sense are, however, not enough for him. He must be able to analyze problems and propose solutions based on scientific evidence. It means the knowledge of social science research and work with its results.
2. Understanding the change process
A change manager cannot carry out his work without knowing what a change is and how it develops as well as the principles of the change management theory.
3. Ability to overcome resistance to change
A change manager must reckon with the fact that people naturally reject almost all changes. He should know the reasons and prepare for how to overcome them.
4. Ability to identify key agents of change and work with them
A change manager must identify people who are ready to change and who can influence others.
5. Ability to harness the power of stories
A change manager should know how an important role stories play in promoting changes. He should be able to work with what people are talking about in the company.
He should also be able to 6) address the issues of the corporate culture change, 7) ensure that business processes and structures promote the change, 8) use the power of organizational networks, 9) be committed to bring changes and 10) have realistic expectations.
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