Ten Characteristics of Effective Managers of Change What do successful change managers do? What traits do they have that are important for success? Whether managers are asked to execute a change effort initiated by senior management or to create and lead a change effort within their unit, successful managers of change share these common characteristics. Successful change managers: 1. Are accepted by others as trustworthy, credible, and competent. 2. Have a big-picture perspective - they understand the long-range strategy for their organization and unit. 3. Have a clear, compelling vision of the change or desired state they want to create. 4. Can articulate what the change is, why it is necessary, and how it will benefit the employees, the organization, and the customers. 5. Can identify the people who can make the change a reality and determine how to get them involved and win their support and cooperation. 6. Can to develop a specific, written plan with achievable milestones to achieve the change. 7. Are able to communicate, align, and engage team members and stakeholders in the change goals and transition plans. 8. Can see opportunities and diagnose problems with the current situation and communicate how the change will produce better results. 9. Have the ability to acknowledge, listen to, and respond appropriately to the concerns and fears of those impacted by the change. 10. Are able to eliminate or reduce barriers (lack of resources, old policies, rigidly designed jobs, etc.) that interfere with the change initiative