Although arguably the most important and powerful, Change Management is often the least mastered component of Process Improvement. Let's face it; most people aren't wired up for it. Many believe that all we have to do is exercise our "six sigma tools", and things will get better. The fact is, tools and techniques are worth little if we can't take a systematic approach to leading the change they indicate.

To lead change, you've got to understand how things really are, how they ought to be, and how to get people to want to close the gap. That takes knowledge and communicating a compelling case. Then, you've got to show people how change looks by changing your own behaviors. When you do that, you're ready to hold key stakeholders accountable to do the same. Start by communicating clear goals, kick in enough education to enable people, and get out in front. You're never done, but you can claim to be a change leader when you look over your shoulder, and someone is following... Hopefully, it'll be your customers.

You may be the leader by title, but are you the leader by design? Want to get dramatic results? Make dramatic change... Effective change speaks to the head and the heart of the organization. What are YOU saying?