Start the team’s readiness early: Build a compelling change story

If I had to pick a change management artifact that is most helpful to get stakeholders excited and interested in the project, I would choose a change story without hesitation.

I made change stories for various projects, which would always be the most in-demand document the change management team created.

Creating a change story can kick off the readiness journey for impacted stakeholders early in the project, so gather your team and create one!

Several essential building blocks can help you effectively communicate and inspire others when crafting a change story. These are:

Set the context: Clearly articulate the purpose of the change and why it is necessary. Explain the current challenges, market trends, or internal factors that necessitate the change. Help people to connect the dots and see the logic behind the proposed change.

Vision: Paint a vivid picture of the desired future state or outcome. I cannot emphasize this point enough! Describe how things will be different and its positive impact on individuals, teams, or the organization. A compelling vision creates a sense of excitement and provides a clear direction for everyone involved. Share success stories of similar changes that have been implemented successfully elsewhere. 

Impacts: Communicate the benefits and opportunities the change will bring. Highlight how it will improve efficiency, enhance performance, increase customer satisfaction, or create new growth avenues. Most importantly- explain explicitly how this change benefits your impacted stakeholders. 

Plan and Execution: A well-defined plan provides structure and confidence in the change process. Here are a few steps:

1. Outline a clear plan for how the change will be implemented.
2. Break it down into high-level milestones.
3. Communicate the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and the resources and support available to facilitate a successful transition.

Call to Action: Clearly articulate the specific actions or behaviours you expect from your audience. Whether adopting new processes, embracing new technologies, or supporting the change effort, provide clear instructions on how individuals can contribute to the change. Encourage them to participate and be agents of change.

Remember, crafting a change story is about engaging hearts AND minds. It should inspire, clarify, and address concerns to rally support for the change effort. Tailor your message to resonate with your audience and communicate the building blocks compellingly and authentically.

Let me know your team’s reaction when you create your next change story!