Why involve Change Management resources in your project?

As a project sponsor, you might wonder why involving Change Management (CM) Resources in your project is important.

Let me share with you some compelling reasons why having dedicated CM resources is a game-changer for the success of the project and its impact on the organization:

1. Seamless Stakeholder Transition: CM resources create a comprehensive Stakeholders’ Readiness roadmap, guiding stakeholders from the current state to the envisioned future state. This roadmap ensures a smooth transition, and everyone is well-prepared for the changes ahead.
2. Clear Vision of the Future: Change Management resources are uniquely equipped to craft the project change story. This change story outlines a clear future vision and describes the transformation required to achieve the project’s objectives. It becomes the driving force behind organizational change readiness activities.
3. In-Depth Change Impact Analysis: Unlike other project functions, CM resources delve into the details of change impact across the organization. They identify which business units are most affected, to what extent, and specific actions are needed to ensure readiness.
4. Strategic Communication: Communication is not just about sending out messages; it’s about ensuring the right information reaches the right team members at the right time. CM resources develop intentional content calendars and employ effective distribution channels to ensure seamless communication flow.
5. Sustained Team Engagement: Engaged teams are essential for project success. CM resources develop a comprehensive project engagement plan that fosters alignment, recognition of efforts, and meaningful discussions. This creates a project environment where everything “clicks.”
6. Ongoing Readiness Monitoring: CM resources continuously track the readiness progress throughout the project. As a project sponsor, you’ll receive valuable insights on where the teams stand on the readiness scale and how you and other leaders can support a smoother transition.

By involving CM resources in the project, you ensure a well-structured and well-communicated journey toward the future state. Their expertise in change management drives the initiative’s success and sets it apart for all the right reasons.