One of the hardest things about managing change—outside of actually managing the change—is ensuring sponsors and leaders appreciate the true importance and necessity of incorporating change management into the overall business and entire life cycle of initiatives impacting end users. The definition of change management is management of change and development within a business or similar organization. That is “what” change management is, but what about the “why”? Why do we need change management?

As change managers, agents, consultants, practitioners, etc., we must ensure there is also a clear understanding of the “why” behind change management, not just what change management is or what change management does.

Understanding the “why” behind managing change has more impact, better defining the purpose of change management to our stakeholders, sponsors, and leadership.

Key takeaways:

• Increase probability of project success and ROI.

• Manage employee resistance to change.

• Build change competency.