Becoming

A
Change Agent
 Becoming A Change Agent

 We all see problems

• At work, in organizations, thru society

 We all know there is a better way

 At issue
• We don’t know how to change it

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

 Each one of us can become a

change-agent

 The process is the same

• No matter the size of the problem
 A unit at work
 Affecting the whole community
 Changing the world

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

 The Process for “Making Change”

• Is simple—though not easy
• Requires “strategy execution”
 The number one requirement to be
successful
• Quality of Strategy usually ranks 2nd
• Resources rank 3rd

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

The Process for “Making Change”

• Identifying the issue
• Pinpointing the actual problem
• Determining what can be done
• Establishing the team
• Creating the action plan
• Monitoring accountability
• Making an impact

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Dealing with Impediments

Overcoming the preconceived notion of

“it can’t be done”
Is the largest issue to overcome

Both for yourself and others

• Learn to bypass NOs!

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

 Vision and Perseverance are Key

• Focus
 What are you really trying to accomplish

• Competence
 You need to have/get the skills to get it
done

• Passion
 The mystery glue that holds it together
 Provides the extra drive to make it real
© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004
 Becoming A Change Agent

Identifying the Issues

• My electricity bills are too high!
 I thought deregulation would lower my bills

• Why do I have to try on tons of clothes to find

something that actually fits?

• The internet was supposed to make my life

easier
 But I’m inundated with spam and I am terrified of
online identity theft

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Pinpointing the Problem (research)

 Electricity
• ERCOT & the PUC do not include consumers
when planning changes
 Clothes Sizing
• Each clothes line has its own sizing with major
return problems (up to 40% online)
 Internet
• Does not deal with privacy issues
• Difference between security & privacy

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Determining What Can Be Done

 Lower Electricity Bills
• Get consumers involved with ERCOT &
PUC actions
 Clothes That Fit
• Develop standardization of fit
 Internet
• Design a method of preserving personal
information online
© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004
 Becoming A Change Agent

Establishing The Team

 You cannot do it Alone
• Determine the strengths and
functions that you need to take the
next step
 That complements what you bring to
the table

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Establishing The Team

 Electricity
• DFW Electric Consumer Coalition
 Clothing
• FitLogic
 Internet
• Privacy, Inc.

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

 Team Leadership
• Every team must have a leader
 Set the Vision
 Maintain the Vision
 Be the Motivator
 Understand how the ripples of change will
affect
• The Team
• The environment the team is changing

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Creating the Action Plan

 DFW Electric Consumer Coalition
• Organize electric consumers
 Governments, corporations, trade groups
 FitLogic
• Develop a standardized fit system by age,
ethnicity, and product preferences
 Privacy, Inc.
• Develop virtual email and credit card ability to
preserve personal information online
• Educate public re: differences of security and
privacy
© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004
 Becoming A Change Agent

 Monitoring Accountability
• Effective Strategy Execution Requires
 Strong Project Management
 Assigning responsibility for each activity
• Timelines need to be established
 Good Communication among and between
all team members
 Ability to be flexible and “refine” programs
when issues become apparent
 Continually motivate and focus on Mission

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

Making An Impact
 Educate, Educate, Educate
• Use all vehicles (networks,media)
 Overcoming Objections
• Yes—It can be done!
 Getting People Involved
• You cannot do it alone

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

 Making an Impact
• Understand that change takes time
 More time than you ever imagine

• You have to share your vision

 Over and Over and Over again

• The full Team is your “sales force”

 Encourage and motivate the team to take
ownership of Mission

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

What You Can Do Today

 Find your passion
• What problem would you like resolved
 Find an organization that deals
with that issue
• Volunteer and learn all you can
 Cultivate that “CAN DO” attitude

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

All Change Starts With One Person

Make the Next Change

come from
YOU

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

 Becoming A Change Agent

You Don’t Have to be Great

To Get Started

But You Have to Get Started

To Be Great

© The Weklar Consulting Group 2004