By Qurat-ul-Ain Khan

Change is the only constant thing in the world, it is inevitable and a different level of expertise so should be proficiently managed. Change Management is the systematic approach, with resources and application of knowledge used by an organization to deal with change within its internal and external processes. Successful change management requires extra consideration and implementation to get fruitful outcomes at the workplace.

The first and foremost goal of the change management approach is to implement new processes, products, and business strategies while minimizing negative outcomes.

Successful change management must be well-planned, well-timed, and well-integrated. It comprises of defining and implementing corporate strategies, structures, procedures, and technologies to manage changes in external situations and the business environment.

Successful Change Management brings a lot of success to organizations. It increases Productivity, increases relationship quality, strong cooperation, strengthens Organizational Culture and Climate, Employees’ satisfaction, and reduces the number of Conflicts at the workplace.

Leadership Competencies for Effective Change Management

Initiating and coordinating change always requires change management leaders to be ahead of time. Competent leadership is needed for the skills to drive organizational innovation and to manage successful organizational change. There are some leadership competencies that have been proven and are mandatory for effective and successful leadership (Bennis, 1987).

1- Cognitive Competences

• Creativity
• Self-Reliance
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Analytical Skills
• Divergent Thinking
• Future-Oriented
• Good consultation
• Critical Approach

2- Functional Competencies

• Communication Skills
• Technological/ Special knowledge and Skills
• Career planning Skills
•  Managerial abilities
• Strong Decision-Making abilities
•  Knowledge abilities

3- Social Competencies

•  Interpersonal Skills
•  Teamwork Abilities
• Cross-cultural abilities
• Flexible to others
• Stress Management Capabilities
•  Motivational Role/ Skills
• Ethical Skills
• Integration Skills

The Leaders should implement Change Management by ensuring the following steps:

They should define and explain the change. Select the change management team. Collect and analyze data. Quantify gaps and understand resistance. Identify management sponsorship and secure commitment. Develop an implementation plan including metrics. Implement the change in stages, Modify the plan as needed, and loop back to the implementation step.