Is a Change Manager a viable permanent position

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I was appointed as Change Manager in my company, located in Viet Nam, where change management is an unexplored area. My problem is that I perceive the position as a temporary, linked to an objective position, and mostly consultancy position. I feel the grass cut under my feet and as trying to fly in the air. What sould I do to get the position viable and realistic, not a bureaucratic, analytical, unrealistic job.

Thanks for answering to me

-- Tuyet My Phan (phan.my.tuyet@saomai.com), January 23, 2002

Answers

Hi, Tuyet,

great question... thanks for your honesty in asking.

In response to "what keeps you up at night", here's my point of view and recommended course of action:

1. find out (and if you know, already, validate your understanding) why you were hired in to be a "change manager" in the the first place. Someone saw a need, probably a leader with some influence (at least some budget) to create the position and get you hired. Talk to them about their vision and yours for fulfilling the accountability. It may be that they hired YOU to figure it out because they believe in you -- which is great.

2. get clear on your accountabilities, how will you be measured in the job. If there are none already, you need to make them up. Then get someone (your manager) of influence to align with them and endorse them. Then you'll see what you need to be doing to fulfill and satisfy the role.

3. above all: tie your accountabilities with measurable business results. find out what leaders of co. are measuring (customer retention? delivering products ontime? reducing turnover? reducing costs?) and create your accountabilities to support that result being produced.

4. become a student of people, primarily, and change management secondarily. it's all about people and how to impact people's perception of what's happening, what's possible.

In about a month, my website should be up (fingers crossed), www.wipcoaching.com. there will be white papers there about potential which may be helpful to you in your own development and growth.

I hope this has been helpful. Keep me posted. Good luck.

-- Camille

Camille Smith President, Work In Progress Coaching ~Unleash your potential~ Office: 831) 685-1480

-- camille a. smith (camillesmith@sbcglobal.net), January 29, 2002.


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