Change Management as a Core Competency for Leaders

Insights by Ntombizone Feni

“How often do we find ourselves grappling with the need for a keen understanding of our ever-shifting environment, or striving to maintain those vital connections with stakeholders amidst the whirlwind? And let's not forget the relentless pursuit of improvement. It's a journey we're all on together, navigating the art and science of change. But here's the good news: we're in the same boat, discovering that, with collaboration and resilience, not all hope is lost. How are you embracing this dynamic landscape?

“Change Management emerges not merely as a function but as a core competency that should be inculcated in every leadership role. It transcends the question of "Whose job is it, anyway?" a question that often leads to the story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

“Let’s delve into some familiar examples and lessons, each facing its unique challenges, and how a comprehensive approach to change management could have altered their course.

“Each embarked on ambitious transformations that, while grounded in impressive visionary intent, encountered turbulence not due to a lack of innovation or will but from a gap in a unified approach to facilitating change.

The Tech Giant's Paradigm Shift

“A tech giant, once the beacon of hardware innovation, decides to make a big change to focus more on software and online services. This strategic pivot, aimed at harnessing the booming potential of digital solutions, initially sends ripples of confusion and uncertainty through its ecosystem of employees, customers, and shareholders.

What Change Management competencies could be employed?

Stakeholder Mapping and Socio-Economic Awareness:

“A thorough analysis reveals a diverse stakeholder landscape, each with unique concerns and aspirations. Recognising the socio-economic variances across its global operations, the company could tailor its communication to address local impacts, ensuring that messages resonate on a personal level.

Customised Communication:

“Leveraging insights from stakeholder mapping, communication can be designed to meet stakeholders where they are—employing forums, digital platforms, and direct outreach to articulate the why and the what of the change, therefore fostering an environment of transparency and trust. The communication should be ongoing and clear.

Decentralisation Through Change Agents:

“Identifying and empowering change agents within different stakeholder groups enables a grassroots approach to change management. These agents, champions of the new direction, facilitate two-way conversations, bringing insights back to leadership and driving engagement from within.

Building Competency:

“Initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce can be rolled out, ensuring that employees not only feel supported through the transition but are also the protagonists of the new narrative.

Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement:

“A structured feedback mechanism invites ongoing dialogue, allowing the company to iteratively refine its approach, address emerging concerns, and celebrate milestones, reinforcing the change positively.

The Social Media Evolution

“A leading social media platform, in its quest to redefine user engagement, introduces an ambitious new feature. Despite its innovative intent, the rollout is met with scepticism and backlash, highlighting the fragile balance between technological advancement, data protection and user trust.

What Change Management competencies could be employed?

Stakeholder Mapping and Socio-Economic Awareness:

“Detailed mapping uncovers a broad spectrum of user demographics, each with distinct values and expectations. The platform acknowledges the need for a nuanced approach that considers the socio-economic and cultural contexts of its global user base.

Customised Communication:

“Communication strategies are crafted with precision, employing user data to personalise messages, ensuring relevance, and addressing specific concerns related to privacy and data usage.

Decentralisation Through Change Agents:

“A network of user advocates is mobilised across regions, serving as the voice of the new feature, demystifying its benefits, and gathering grassroots feedback to inform ongoing development.

Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement:

“A dynamic feedback system, integrated within the platform, captures real-time user sentiments, enabling swift adjustments and fostering a culture of user-led innovation.

Retail Revolution in South Africa

“A South African retail giant embarks on a digital transformation journey, aiming to redefine the shopping experience for its customers. This bold move towards an online-centric model meets initial resistance from a customer base accustomed to the tactile pleasure of in-store shopping.

What Change Management competencies could be employed?

Stakeholder Mapping and Socio-Economic Awareness:

“The retailer invests in understanding the diverse needs and digital readiness of its customer base, paying special attention to the socio-economic barriers that may hinder access to digital shopping.

Customised Communication:

“Leveraging the insights from stakeholder mapping, communication campaigns are designed to resonate with different customer segments, using a mix of traditional and digital channels to educate, inform, and excite.

Decentralisation Through Change Agents:

“Staff members and loyal customers are enlisted as digital ambassadors, sharing their experiences and offering peer-to-peer support, thus humanising the digital transition.

Building Competency:

“Tailored training programs for both employees and customers facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than hinder the shopping experience.

Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement:

“An open channel for customer feedback, coupled with regular review cycles, ensures that the digital strategy evolves in response to real-world use and feedback, aligning closely with customer needs and preferences.

“In these narratives, the intersection of change management competencies with a deep understanding of the stakeholder landscape and the socio-economic context forms the backbone of successful transformation. By embedding these principles into their strategic planning and execution, organisations can navigate the complexities of change with agility and empathy, turning potential pitfalls into platforms for growth and innovation.”

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Written by: Ntombizone Feni, Executive Director at 21st Century.

About 21st Century:

21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Business and People Solutions consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions and underpinned by exceptional Analytics and Research capabilities, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling and market data, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has 5 business areas, focussing on: Remuneration and Reward; Organisational Design; Change Management; People & Talent and Analytics.

21st Century has both national and international capabilities. We offer full-spectrum Human Capital services to sub-Saharan Africa & Middle East clients, and as the African representative of the GECN group (www.gecn.com)  have access to expertise on every continent around the world.

For more information visit: www.21century.co.za  or contact us at (011) 447 0306
Or contact Craig Raath Executive Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Issued By: The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: 21st Century
For Media Information: Bronwyn Levy
Telephone: 076 078 1723
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