Here is a simple truth about our profession: all projects result in change. Some projects bring about small modifications to the status quo, and others introduce a large-scale transformation. No matter the size or scale of the project, people resist change. Overcoming this resistance to change is a top challenge faced by project managers today.
Good news: you have what it takes to overcome this obstacle. Engage your sponsor! Hiatt & Creasey researched over 300 companies as they wrote Change Management – the People Side of Change. They found the number one success factor cited for implementing change is visible and active executive sponsorship. When the project team sees that an executive is excited about this project, the team buys in, too.
Ok, how can you leverage this? Find and recruit the highest-level manager or sponsor. Ask her to be your project champion. Share the stats from the research, including this quote: “Employee resistance increases as authority and sponsorship decreases.” Ask the project champion to speak at the kickoff and at periodic meetings over the life of the project. Your team and other stakeholders will embrace the change knowing that it comes from the top.