The final challenge that I feel applies to change impact assessments is to turn them into action. Sometimes we've put so much energy and diligence into getting an accurate assessment that we forget that this is merely the diagnosis and not the cure.
The answer to that cynical person at the back of the room what wants to know 'So what?' when you present your assessment is to have a crystal clear idea of what the next stage looks like - the interventions!
The ideal change manager moves easily and dynamically from assessment to tailored change interventions to secure the organisation's future. To anyone presenting a change impact assessment, whether to a single colleague or a room full of clients, my advice would be the same - make sure your assessment points to clear, smart and productive interventions. They'll probably be suggestions that get the ball rolling rather than the finished product but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take time and care in making them as good as they can be.
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So that's it, a few thoughts on change impact assessments, no more, no less.
- Move swiftly from reporting to intervention!
Given that we've been talking about impact I think I'll end with an asteroid joke. 'Q. What's the difference between an asteroid and a meatball? A. One is a little meteor.'
You're welcome.