Similar to project management, change management involves processes, people and tools to help companies efficiently and effectively manage the changes the occur throughout an organization. This can be because of project initiatives or other initiatives that impact the business.
Typically project management and change management areas work side-by-side because there are similarities, however it’s important to note that they are different disciplines. Project managers work with project teams to execute the development and implementation of a project. Change managers typically work with the same project teams to lead how the changes will impact all stakeholders.
Change Management Characteristics
Change management doesn’t involve a formalized set of guidelines and processes like project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). For example, there are no start and end dates, and no set formal tasks or milestones in change management, instead the processes can vary. This discipline manages the impact of changes that result from organizational and project management activities and includes the implementation of strategies to sustainably deal with the changes.
What Do Change Managers Actually Do?
Change managers lead, communicate and implement strategies to effectively manage changes that enable leadership and other stakeholders to transition smoothly during times of change. They also help ensure stakeholder buy-in and are advocates for the business activities. Further, change managers have a strong focus on people and how changes impact them, and try to ensure the impact and risk on people within the company is minimized.
What are the qualifications for becoming a change manager?
At Horizontal Integration, we place change managers in contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement roles. Here are some basic qualifications we look for:
- Professional communications experience or closely related experience
- Experience in Information Technology
- Experience in Project Implementation and/or Change Management
- Proven ability to lead others in teams for shared results
- General knowledge of IT systems
- Demonstrated influence management skills, decision making abilities and problem resolution skills
- Demonstrated balance of strategic and detailed tactical thought processes
- Proven ability to work with all levels of an organization, with excellent downward, lateral and upward written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to drive business requirements definition and requirements gathering.
- Very strong presentation, written and oral communication skills
Interested in learning more? Check out our open positions for change mangers.
Source: CIO.com
