Subject: Change creates strong emotions? Could using an independent and impartial change management specialist help?

Hi Anne,

That's a really interesting and topical question! Thanks for posting it. I've passed it on to our trainer, Mark Freeman, and he'll get back to you in this discussion thread as soon as possible.

Hi Anne

You are right that change creates strong emotions both positive and negative.  I think the determining factor for whether to use an external change management specialist is down to whether the organisation has the skill in house to deal with change effectively.  One of the most important skill sets though with dealing with change is not allowing the emotions to over ride the programme of change.  

In my experience even with organisations that have the skills sets internally to deal with change this one when is poorly handled and it is usually the root cause of delays. I think where an external management can be useful where an organisation has the skills is keeping them honest as to where they are in the programme and pointing out when the emotional aspects are causing delays and need to be dealt with.  Finally when the unpleasant aspects of change need to be dealt with it tends to be easier having a third party deal with it but remember this can be seen as impersonal so it might be worth having them only involved in aspects of this area.

Where an organisation does not have the skills set to manage change then it is essential to have someone that has these skills as the damage that can occur far out weights the cost.  The skill then is limited the fees!

Hope this helps!

I love the quote by Machiavelli:

"It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes in a state’s constitution. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new”...

I agree with Amanda