Technique 3.2 Assessing Change Management Skills
(can be used to help evaluate potential team members for the guiding coalition)
This self-assessment diagnostic exercise is used to evaluate how well you manage the demands of change by responding to the following statements. Circle the appropriate options closest to your experience. Be as honest as you can: if your answer is "never", circle option 1; if it is "occasionally", circle option 2; if "often", circle, option 3; if it is "always", mark option 4.
Q1 I try to anticipate and lead change within my organisation
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q2 I make full use of the latest worthwhile IT developments
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q3 I take any competitive, technological and market changes very seriously
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q4 I look for opportunities from radical areas as well as from incremental change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q5 I look to be different and seek productive ways of creating differences
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q6 I take an open-minded approach toward new ideas and possibilities
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q7 I link my change to any known needs of the customer
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q8 I keep my change philosophy simple and concise
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q9 I involve customers and suppliers in my plans for change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q10 I make a full and careful business case for changes and change projects
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q11 I break change projects down into manageable components
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q12 I consult widely in the process of deciding on strategy and action
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q13 I obtain people's agreement to the actions required of them
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q14 I use and develop teams as the basic unit of change management
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q15 I use quick fix changes for instant results early in the change programs
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q16 I plan well ahead for the long-term pay-offs in change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q17 I am careful not to create over-optimistic or over-pessimistic expectations
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q18 I seize opportunities to reward, celebrate and encourage successful change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q19 I make sure everybody knows the answer to "what's in it for me?"
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q20 I have effective and adaptable contingency plans available
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q21 I anticipate adverse reactions and plan how to deal with them
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q22 I use well-designed pilots and experiments to test my change plans
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q23 I share relevant information with colleagues and staff as soon as possible
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q24 I work closely with like-minded people who are keen to change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q25 My own behaviour is flexible and highly adaptable to changing needs
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q26 I encourage people to speak their minds openly and to air their concerns
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q27 I tackle resistance to change promptly, fairly and vigorously
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q28 I use quantitative measurement to measure the results that I want
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q29 I review and revise the assumptions that underpin the change plan
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q30 I ensure that thorough training keeps people up-to-date with change
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q31 I start the next change project as another draws to a close
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Q32 I use self-appraisal to check on myself and the organisation
|
never (1) |
2 |
3 |
always (4) |
Analysis
Now you have completed the self-assessment, calculate your total score by adding the numbers circled and then check your level of skills by reading the corresponding evaluation. However astute your change management skills maybe, it is important to remember that there is always room for improvement. Identify your weaker areas (those items where lower numbers are circled).
32-64 you are resisting change or are unsure of its potential benefits. Overcome your fears, and learn to plan for change
65-95 you understand the need for change and that you must develop your skills to achieve it successfully
96-128 you are a skilled agent of change but remember that change is a never-ending process, so keep planning ahead.
(source: Robert Heller, 1998)