Journey of Sponsorship
1. Clarify the intent of the change - what is changing and what in not changing, why, and what will be different and exciting about the future?
2. Vet and align on the intent, vision, desired outcomes and goals and how success will be measured and reinforced.
3. Assess the impact of the change on the organization, associates and customers.
4. Create a change strategy with clear priorities for what changes first, second, third, etc.
5. Allocate time and create sense of urgency for working through our own transitions so you can model the change and walk the talk.
6. Secure resources and develop a coalition of sponsorship to make the change happen.
7. Engage others and communicate, ask questions and practice listening, listening and listening.
8. Seek out resistance and remove obstacles that get in people's way. Practice management by walking around and asking "what's working?" and "what are the opportunities to improve?". Then act on what you hear.
9. Create consequences to reinforce the change. Assess cultural norms ("how things are done around here") and formal management practices to test how aligned they are in reinforcing the intent and desired outcomes. Vet proposed changes of cultural and management practices with senior leaders.
10. Plan for and celebrate small wins. Create rewards and incentives to highlight those that make an effort to change and show improvements with new behaviors and performance.