12 Tools Needed for Successful Change Management

Here are some interpersonal tools that successful change agents possess:

1. Vision. Need to know it and have the ability to communicate it.
2. Communication skills. Listening, sending a clear message, giving and receiving feedback in a respectful manor, use the right communication tool for the message (email, in person, letter, etc.)
3. Presentation skills. The leaders that are rolling out the change need to be able to present ideas to various audiences, in a clear and visual way (from executives to team leaders).
4. Project management skills. The ability to plan, delegate, manage, organize, fight fires, etc.
5. Ability to manage conflict. Oh yes, you will have conflict. You need to be able to manage organizational as well as interpersonal conflict.
6. Big picture thinking. The ability to keep their eye on the big picture (the customer, vision, etc.)
7. Accountability. The ability to hold people accountable is essential in managing change successfully.
8. Decision making skills.
9. Motivation and empowerment skills. Not only to motivate themselves, but co-workers, suppliers, customers, leaders, etc.
10. Goal Setting skills. Gotta have goals!
11. Facilitation skills. Change involves meetings. No one likes meetings, unless they are productive. How effective are your meeting leaders?
12. Team building skills.
13. Bonus: A strong stomach and aspirin!