In the world of change management, credibility is everything. Whether you are a new change practitioner stepping into your first role or a seasoned pro entering a new organization, your ability to build trust quickly can make or break your success.
1. Master the Basics Before You Arrive
Start strong by making sure you understand the fundamentals of change management. Brush up on key models, tools, and terminology. Know the organization’s history, its recent transformations, and the current challenges it faces.
- Do Your Homework: Research the company’s mission, values, and leadership team.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Culture: Understand how decisions are made, how communication flows, and what behaviors are rewarded.
2. Listen More Than You Speak
Your first few weeks should be spent in active listening mode. Build rapport by showing genuine interest in the perspectives of others.
- Conduct Stakeholder Interviews: Ask open-ended questions to understand their concerns, goals, and expectations.
- Take Notes and Reflect: Record insights from your conversations, and look for common themes.
3. Deliver Quick Wins
Credibility grows when you deliver results. Identify a few low-risk, high-impact actions you can take quickly.
- Simplify a Complex Process: Offer a template, checklist, or communication guide that makes life easier for your team.
- Identify a Pain Point and Solve It: Use your change skills to fix a small but visible issue.
4. Align with Leaders, but Be Authentic
Senior leaders are important allies, but true credibility comes from being trusted at all levels.
- Don’t Overpromise: Set realistic expectations with leaders.
- Be Transparent: Share both good news and challenges without sugarcoating.
5. Demonstrate Your Change Skills in Real-Time
Use every interaction as a chance to show your expertise. Facilitate productive meetings, model active listening, and adapt your communication style to your audience.
- Run a Successful Workshop: Use your facilitation skills to create a memorable, high-impact session.
- Provide Value in Every Interaction: Even casual conversations are opportunities to share insights.
6. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Change management is an evolving field. Stay up-to-date on best practices, emerging trends, and new tools.
- Subscribe to Industry News: Follow leading voices in change management.
- Join Professional Networks: Connect with other practitioners and share experiences.
7. Build a Reputation for Integrity
Credibility is built on trust. Always honor your commitments, maintain confidentiality, and own your mistakes.
- Set Boundaries: Be clear about what you can and cannot do.
- Be Honest About Your Experience: Share what you know, but don’t fake expertise.
Your First 90 Days: A Roadmap
- Weeks 1-2: Observe, ask questions, and build relationships.
- Weeks 3-4: Identify and deliver a quick win.
- Weeks 5-6: Lead a meeting, workshop, or presentation.
- Weeks 7-8: Share insights with leadership and stakeholders.
- Weeks 9-10: Evaluate your impact and look for new opportunities to add value.
Final Thought: Credibility is Earned, Not Given
Remember, credibility is a currency you earn through consistent actions. Show up prepared, listen well, deliver value, and be trustworthy. That’s how you become a trusted change practitioner.
Power to the Practitioner.
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Dan Olson
Dan Olson
Dan Olson
Credibility isn’t earned over time—it’s earned through impact
We work with emerging change practitioners to build trust quickly, deliver visible value, and show up with confidence in complex environments. From messaging strategies to stakeholder alignment, ChangeGuild will help you accelerate your effectiveness.
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