Becoming A Change Agent

1. Becoming A Change Agent Diane Weklar The Weklar Consulting Group

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Becoming A Change Agent Establishing The Team • Electricity • DFW Electric Consumer Coalition • Clothing • FitLogic • Internet • Privacy, Inc. © The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Becoming A Change Agent All Change Starts With One Person Make the Next Change come from YOU © The Weklar Consulting Group 2004

20. 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

21. Becoming A Change Agent Diane Weklar President The Weklar Consulting Group 280 W. Renner Road Suite 3926 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.3846 dweklar@sbcglobal.net © The Weklar Consulting Group 2004