The 8 Step Process of Successful Change Dr.
John Kotter
30 years of research by leadership guru Dr. John Kotter have proven that 70% of all major
change efforts in organizations fail.
Why do they fail? Because organizations often do not take the holistic approach required to see
the change through.
However, by following the 8 Step Process outlined by Professor Kotter, organizations can avoid
failure and become adept at change.
By improving their ability to change, organizations can increase their chances of success, both
today and in the future. Without this ability to adapt continuously, organizations cannot thrive.
Dr. Kotter has proven over his years of research that following this 8 Step Process will help
organizations succeed in an ever-changing world.
Step 1:
Acting With Urgency
Examine market and competitive realities
Identify and discuss crises, potential crises or major opportunities
Step 2:
Developing the Guiding Coalition
Assemble a group with enough power to lead the change effort
Encourage the group to work as a team
Step 3:
Developing a Change Vision
Create a vision to help direct the change effort
Develop strategies for achieving that vision
Step 4:
Communicating the Vision Buy-in
Use every vehicle possible to communicate the new vision and strategies
Teach new behaviors by the example of the Guiding Coalition
Step 5:
Empowering Broad-based Action
Remove obstacles to change
Change systems or structures that seriously undermine the vision
Encourage the risk-taking and nontraditional ideas, activities, and actions
Step 6:
Generating Short-term Wins
Plan for visible performance improvements
Create those improvements
Recognize and reward employees involved in the improvements
Step 7:
Don't Let Up
Use increased credibility to change systems, structures and policies that don't
fit the vision
Hire, promote, and develop employees who can implement the vision
Reinvigorate the process with new projects, themes, and change agents
Step 8:
Make Change Stick
Articulate the connections between the new behaviors and organizational
success
Develop the means to ensure leadership development and succession
For more information on the 8 steps:
[Link]