What makes an individual an agent of change

The Change Agent role is essential for a successful implementation of any project whether it is a small procedural change or a large transformational one. Given the importance of this role, it's critically important to build a network of local Change Agents with the skills and characteristics you need.  

To help determine if an individual is a good fit for the Change Agent role, IMA developed the following checklist of criteria.

Does the potential candidate have:

A successful personal and organizational history

Success and credibility with key Sponsors

Trust with key Targets

Awareness of culture and sub-culture differences

Belief in the project

Knowledge of the business unit and strategy

Ability to translate the Sponsors' Frame of Reference (FOR) to the Targets' and vice versa, without their own FOR interfering

Ability to develop teamwork among Sponsors, Change Agents, and Targets by creating common goals and inter-dependence for success

Comfort level with ambiguity

Courage – (Why courage?  Because the Change Agent must be willing to ask Sponsors for what they need, even when it becomes difficult or uncomfortable!)

hope that helps :)