Question

1. Why is it difficult to lead change in a low-urgency situation?
2. Why is it particularly difficult for a middle manager to lead change?
3. Please describe the role of each of the following in leading change:
   1. Your credibility.
   2. Your coalition.
   3. Understanding the network of others.
4. Describe each phase of change and identify at least 2 levers you felt worked in each phase:
   1. Mobilization phase of change
   2. Movement phase of change
   3. Sustain phase of change

Answer 1

1)In a low urgency situation, there is no motivation for people to change. Things are going fine and everything seems smooth and hence there is inertia to change. People don't enjoy changes and it brings them out of their comfort zone. Therefore, unless necessary, changes are difficult to bring about in such situations.

2)It is particularly difficult for middle managers to bring about the changes since these managers do not enjoy the same authority as top management. Middle managers also have intense competition among themselves and hence the rivalry affects the impact of change if it is brought about. These managers have not yet established their credibility much and hence employees may be hesitant to follow them. Some of them might not command the same respect. Therefore, it is difficult for them to bring change.

3a)Credibility is important for people to follow. People will follow leaders who have credibility behind them. They trust their judgment because of the right things they have done in their past. Hence, it is easier for others to trust the person because he has a past record of delivering. People who don't have credibility find it difficult to convince people to follow them. Therefore, credibility is important.

b)Coalition is forming a group of supporters who can influence others on your behalf. Having a coalition gives you the power to influence and convince others to adapt to change. It also comes across as your idea of having the support of people. When people see your idea is accepted by others, they themselves will be influenced to accept that idea.

C)Understanding the network of others is knowing the influencers among groups and peers. This helps in propagating the idea through different networks. The first thing in bringing about a change is to promote the ideas among various groups and create acceptance. Networks play an important role in promotion of ideas.

Mobilization phase of change- Mobilization phase is the phase where you go about identifying and aligning resources to bring about the change. These include identifying the change, the tools to bring about the change, the resources required, planning needed etc. The two levers for this phase are getting information and identifying influencers.

Movement phase of change- Movement phase of change is the actual phase where the action takes place. The process of change is put into motion. The initial inertia has been overcome and people are starting to work on your plan. The two levers are credibility and idea promotion.

Sustain Phase of change-Sustain phase is the period after the change has been implemented, all the processes and strategies have been aligned and integrated, it is important for people not to deviate from this new process and hence they should be kept aligned to this change. The two levers are monitoring and training.