Every organization needs to adapt to change if it is to succeed in today’s economy.  It is a known fact that change is inevitable and the only constant is change itself.  The problem is that most people don’t like change and many have a difficult time accepting and making the change.  It takes an average of 12 years for an organization to change. 

Excellent people skills are critical for the Project Manager (PM)/Change Agent (CA).  Combining the right people skills learned from project management methodologies and change management best practices will help increase cooperation and communication between departments and functions.   This will help expedite changing an organization more quickly and effectively. 

For example, the PM/CA should ensure that they have full support from Executive Management.  Next, the customers (internal and external) should be made aware of the planned change, be informed why it is important and necessary, and told how it will affect them.  Also, informing the customers of what’s in it for them will help gain everyone’s buy-in, or at least, consensus and openness to the change itself. Regular communications and necessary training throughout the change process will help assure continued buy-in throughout the organization. 

People skills are essential to effectively motivate and communicate with the project team, and ultimately with the rest of the organization.  Using these methodologies, along with other project management and change management best practice methodologies (not contained in this blog) will help ensure that the organization has a higher percentage rate of achieving the desired change effectively and efficiently in the shortest time possible.

Note:  Linda Huey, MBA, is ASTD-OC Chapter Secretary for 2012.  She has a Certificate in Organizational Development Best Practices and is currently working on obtaining certificates in Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.