Jennifer Frahm Collaborations

Last Wednesday night saw the latest meet up of Melbourne members of the Change Management Professionals(CMP). CMP is a loosely organised community of people who work in change management. What unites us is a belief that you improve the practice of change management when you share stories and experience. We are very fortunate to have the patronage of SHK who provide a lovely environment in which to meet - board room, white boards, wine and snacks.

The topic of the evening was Sponsor Engagement. Deftly facilitated by Vicki Young, the group explored the reasons why Sponsor Engaement fails and what we can do to improve it.

I promised to blog on it, but the conversations were so rich and varying, branching off on divergent paths I’m not sure I can do that justice. Hopefully those in attendance can leave some of their thoughts in the comments if I highlight the key points!

Why does a lack of sponsor engagement occur?

• Relevance of change to the strategy is missing
• Insufficient business case for change
• Sponsor lacks courage and self awareness
• Sponsor has competing priorities - day job v project or change initiative
• Sponsor is not from the right area
• Lack of understanding of the role
• They have inherited something bad
• Do not understand good communication
• Insufficient guidelines / support for sponsor
• Lack of authority / credibility
• Sponsor is ahead of the change curve and doesn’t realise the rest of the employees are not with him/her

What have you done about a lack of sponsor engagement?

• Established KPIs
• Have regular one on ones
• Build a relationship
• Build rapport and trust
• Draw upon your experience
• Educate the Sponsor on change management
• Ensure sound governance
• Draw on data (eg PROSCI studies)
• Be frank and fearless

After brainstorming these topics the group broke up into five subgroups and picked a reason for lack of engagement and shared their stories. I’m going to hold off until next post to share my group’s discussion. Suffice to say, micro phrases and emotional toxicity will feature.

It was a terrific night - with a real generosity of experience shared in a very respectful setting. Next meeting we will be discussing stakeholder stereotypes  and the data and tools we use to influence them!

If you work in change management, whether it be from a Project perspective, or HR / L & D / OCM /OD background and you wish to join in drop me a line and I’ll put you on the mailing list.