Change is inevitable. But not all leaders and managers come ready to lead, equipped with change management skills. Fortunately, you can develop the change management skills required to lead your organization through transformation.
Here is a list of change management skills to cultivate:
Communication: Communication plays a role throughout the change management process. Change leaders must communicate to justify the change and create a sense of urgency in employees. They have to communicate their vision for the change and explain why change is necessary. They have to persuade people to accept and sustain the change. Throughout, leaders should gather feedback from the implementation team and stakeholders.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand how others are feeling. This change management skill is crucial so leaders can understand how others respond to change and address any resistance or concerns.
Active listening: Before change leaders can communicate effectively, they have to listen. In the change management process, leaders should spend at least as much time listening to their employees and team as they do talking about their plans. It’s important for people to know that their thoughts and opinions are valued and heard.
Strategic thinking: Every successful change management initiative has a solid strategic foundation. Change leaders must understand what the organization needs and then be able to plot how to achieve that goal.
Delegation: Leaders must be willing to empower others to take on projects without micromanaging. They must understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses, so they can choose the right person to lead the work.
Resilience: Change leaders must be adept at dealing with setbacks. They must bounce back quickly and thrive under pressure. The most resilient change leaders are creative problem-solvers who don’t shy away from conflict resolution.
Optimism: A positive outlook is contagious. Maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of obstacles and resistance, will inspire productivity and engagement with the rest of the team.
Collaboration: The ability to work with a team toward a common goal is an essential change management skill. Teams that work well together accomplish more and lead to more sustainable change.