Another important task of the sponsor in association with the project leader is to show people the way forward in the change. When a change is announced, people fall into one of three general categories.
- Those who see and understand the need for change and get behind it
- Many who are skeptical about the need for change and adopt a wait-and-see attitude
- Still others who deny the change is necessary and may initially resist
Leadership must demonstrate that it knows what direction to go and how to get there. This is the purpose of the plan for change. At this point, it is largely a communication vehicle to reinforce rationale and provide direction. However, the plan for change does include elements and information that prefigure the project execution plan.
It is important to note that a separate, independent change plan is not what is being advocated. In the next phase, a comprehensive, integrated plan to execute change should identify both the project elements of the change being made as well as elements of the engagement cycle - engage, co-create, execute, adjust. Effective change will only result when all elements are inextricably linked.