Part 2 - Mastering the Art of Change: What Makes a Competent Change Manager

Change management has evolved over the years from a technical, process-driven approach to a more people-centric, strategic approach. In 2023, I wrote an article to explore some of the key competencies change managers need to focus to excel in this multifaceted profession. In this article, I will cover additional skills to support change managers throughout 2024. Let's call it part 2.

Change is not just about implementing new systems or processes but also about managing the human side of change. People are at the heart of any successful change effort and that their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours must be addressed for change to stick; simply put, people cannot be forced to change. Many organisations have tried and still do so, enforcing a practice that goes to feed the 70% change management fail rate statistic Prosci often cites in its literature.

So, what are the key competencies that make a change manager competent in 2024?

(Part 2)

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Competent change managers in 2024 understand that change is a continuous process, and learning from every change effort is crucial for improvement. They should be committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. They should stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and research in the field of change management. They should seek feedback from stakeholders, reflect on their experiences, and identify areas for improvement. They should also encourage a culture of learning and improvement within their teams and organisations, fostering an environment where employees can continually develop their skills and knowledge related to change management.

Inclusive and Diversity-Focused Mindset

In 2024, organisations are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and business success. Competent change managers should have an inclusive mindset and recognize the value of diversity in the workplace. They should be able to understand and manage the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from diversity in the context of change management. They should promote inclusivity and diversity in their change initiatives by involving employees from diverse backgrounds, considering different perspectives, and creating an environment where all employees feel heard, respected, and valued.

Ethical and Responsible Approach

Change managers in 2024 should adhere to high ethical standards and a responsible approach in managing change. They should consider the ethical implications of the change effort, such as the impact on employees, customers, and the environment. They should ensure that the change effort aligns with the organization's values and principles. They should be transparent, honest, and fair in their interactions with stakeholders. They should also consider the long-term sustainability and social responsibility aspects of the change effort, ensuring that it contributes positively to the overall well-being of the organization and society.

Resilience and Agility

Change management can be challenging, with various obstacles and setbacks along the way. Competent change managers in 2024 should be resilient and agile, able to bounce back from failures, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep the change effort on track. They should have the mental and emotional resilience to handle stress, ambiguity, and uncertainty. They should be able to pivot and make decisions quickly based on new information or changing circumstances. They should also be able to lead their teams through change with confidence, maintaining motivation and engagement, even in the face of challenges.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Competent change managers in 2023 should be proficient in data-driven decision-making. They should collect and analyze data to assess the impact of the change effort, measure progress against objectives, and identify areas for improvement. They should use data to inform their decision-making, identify trends and patterns, and make data-backed recommendations to stakeholders. They should also be able to effectively communicate the insights from data analysis to stakeholders to gain support for the change initiative.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Change management is a collaborative effort that involves multiple stakeholders working together towards a common goal. Competent change managers in 2024 should be skilled in collaboration and teamwork. They should be able to build cross-functional and cross-departmental teams to implement change initiatives. They should encourage collaboration and foster a culture of teamwork within their teams and organizations. They should be able to effectively manage conflicts and differences among team members and ensure that everyone is aligned towards the change objectives. They should also be able to leverage the diverse skills and expertise of team members to drive the change effort forward.

Global Mindset

In today's interconnected world, organizations operate in a global context, with employees, customers, and partners spread across different geographies and cultures. Change managers in 2024 should have a global mindset, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of managing change in a global setting. They should be aware of cultural nuances, language barriers, and other differences that may impact the change effort. They should be able to adapt their approach to accommodate diverse cultures and work effectively with stakeholders from different regions. They should also be able to communicate and align change messages across different languages and cultures to ensure a consistent understanding of the change effort globally.

Final comments

Overall, the competence of change managers in 2024 lies in their ability to effectively navigate change in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment. They should possess a well-rounded skill set that includes strategic thinking, stakeholder management, change leadership, communication, data-driven decision-making, flexibility and adaptability, collaboration and teamwork, and a global mindset. By leveraging these skills, change managers can lead successful change initiatives that drive organizational growth and success in 2024 and beyond.