300 words at least.

We are now well into our change initiative: we have a guiding coalition to help lead the change, we have clear vision and strategy, we have communicated the change initiative extensively and we have at the very least the beginnings of a detailed implementation plan.

Step 5 is about action and getting thing done that will bring us to realize the change vision. In order to implement changes that will last, its important for people to be empowered to take action and make changes in their own areas. the guiding theme has an essential role to play in continuing to communicate direction, smoothing the way and removing obstacles. Read through the John Kotter’s stories on empowering broad based action.

As your read the stories, you will find the some people encounter resistance as they realize that they are moving from “talk” to “action” and they try to undermine, block or resist the change. A key to overcoming resistance is understanding the reasons for resistance. From real-life stories, give some clear examples for the following:

• Fear of the change and what it will mean for them
• Lack of acknowledge of what will be lost in change (even positive changes inevitably involve some loss)
• Uncertainty about what will be gained from the change, what the benefits are, or the reasons
• Disagreement about the need for change or the suitability of the selected change and
• Mistrust or ill will due to previous experience.

Discuss with your team in more detail about why people may resist change, and how change leaders can work with them? Read in Kotter what he has to say about “empower action”.