Companies undergo various changes in their operations over time. Whether it’s a merger with another firm, upgrading to new technology, or changing the structure of management, change is inevitable. However, successful change requires an effective change management team. Therefore, finding the right people for change management is a crucial step. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for change manager recruitment.
Firstly, it’s important to identify the key traits necessary for a change manager. Traits like leadership, communication skills, flexibility, creativity, problem-solving, and patience are critical to leading a team through change. Therefore, when recruiting for change managers, focus on traits rather than experience or skills only.
Secondly, consider conducting a behavioral-based interview with the potential change managers. This kind of interview provides an opportunity to reveal the candidate’s behavior and how they respond to certain situations. Ask questions that measure how the candidate handled change in past work experiences, how they adapt to new information, and how they lead a team through change. During the interview, listen for specific examples of how the candidate approached change and what they did to achieve a positive outcome.
Thirdly, consider recruiting individuals from different departments and levels within the organization. Diversity is the key to success in any group, and a change management team is no exception. Members from different departments bring different perspectives and expertise to the team, providing a well-rounded approach to managing change.
Fourthly, use employee referrals. This method not only saves time and money but also helps to ensure success. Ideally, ask employees to refer individuals who have helped in managing change in the past. This can be done through a short survey or a communication campaign in the organization. Using employee referrals increases the chances of finding someone who has already displayed the qualities and skills necessary for managing change.
Lastly, consider outsourcing your change management team. Outsourcing may seem like a costly option, but it can be a smart choice if you lack the internal resources or expertise to manage change efficiently. Outsourcing provides access to professionals who have years of experience managing change across different industries. It also helps to supplement your team’s skills and expertise, and provides an opportunity to learn and gain experience from external professionals.
Change managers recruitment requires a careful consideration of the candidate’s traits, behavioral-based interviews, diversity, employee referrals, and outsourcing. It’s important to keep in mind that the success of any change depends on the team that manages it. Therefore, finding the right people for the job is crucial. With the right strategies in place and some patience, you can create a change management team that will guide your organization to success.
