25
Can project managers implement change in an organisation?
Change management is a more pressing concern in modern businesses but can project managers successfully fill this role in a company?
Change managers must be able to balance a number of factors and interests.
As the business world becomes increasingly more complex and factors frequently shift, the ability to manage change effectively is a valuable skill.
While this is an important challenge for many businesses, change initiatives could be a key area for project managers to find new opportunities to add value to a company and create a meaningful difference.
Moving into change management
A January 19 Charted Management Institute article highlighted the immense potential among senior project managers to handle complex and ambitious strategic undertakings.
Project managers must be prepared to operate in a flexible manner.
Co-Chair of the Change Management Institute UK Melanie Franklin stated these professionals have a high amount of resources and skills available to them. However, in order to lead change projects, it is important to focus on developing commercial sensitivity and managing the complexity that comes with balancing each part of the process.
According to a report from the Change Management Institute of Australia, the context of the workplace will shape the requirements of a change initiative. Project managers must be prepared to learn quickly and operate in a flexible manner.
In order to lead with conviction, businesses need project managers who are bold, visionary and able to adapt to changeable demand. For professionals with these skills, the opportunities are abundant.
Getting everyone on the same page
As KPMG highlighted, a major part of successfully implementing change is managing every member involved in the process to help them adjust to a new strategic direction.
Stefanie Bradley, Partner and Change Leadership Head at KPMG, explained the key elements of bringing employees on board with a change project.
"Change Management is about getting people ready, willing and able to deliver sustainable businesses benefit and driving alignment and engagement," she said.
Every change project will involve many stakeholders, each with their own views and interests regarding the future direction. For project managers, this means maintaining a fair agenda without allowing any party to sabotage or delay the initiative.
If you are looking for a new opportunity to make a positive mark on a company, get in touch with Ethos BeathChapman. We are an Australian-owned Executive Recruitment Consultancy specialising in the $120k - $400k candidate market.
By Matt Bown