The ABC of Successful Change Sponsorship: Act, Build, and Communicate
Leadership forms the backbone of any organizational transformation or change. Sponsors, in particular, play a pivotal role in establishing the direction and vision for the change, fostering a coalition, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
Research by Prosci, a renowned change management institution, states that the most prominent reason why changes fail is the “Lack of executive support and active sponsorship.” This underscores the necessity for leaders to transcend beyond merely sanctioning changes to becoming active change agents.
So, how can you, as a sponsor, navigate this significant responsibility? It boils down to three key actions: Act, Build, and Communicate, the ABCs of effective change sponsorship.
Act: Active participation in the transformation process is critical. This implies more than just giving a nod to the change; it means providing explicit guidance, support, and direction to your teams. Sponsors should be front and center, driving the change forward, and providing the necessary resources and support.
Build: Building a coalition is crucial to achieving and sustaining change. This involves bringing together a diverse group of individuals who share a common understanding of the change objectives and are invested in its success. A well-built coalition amplifies the strength of your change initiative and ensures alignment across various levels of the organization.
Communicate: Lastly, effective communication is the cornerstone of any change process. Sponsors should transparently communicate the reasons for the change, its benefits, and the impact on the organization. This communication must be consistent, clear, and must inspire and lead by example.
At CM Agility, we understand the significance of robust sponsorship in facilitating transformation. To assist in this endeavor, we offer a comprehensive Sponsor Assessment, designed to help you identify your strengths and areas of improvement as a sponsor. Our seasoned coaches are on hand to provide guidance and support, empowering you to catalyze a successful transformation.
To learn more about our services or to set up an assessment, visit our website at CMagility.com or contact us at hello@cmagility.com. We look forward to helping you enhance your sponsorship capabilities and guide your organization towards a successful transformation.