Sponsors, Targets, Change Agents, and Advocates

Excellent Sponsors

  1. Aware of current issue
  2. Dissatisfied with the present state
  3. Clear on goals and the change required
  4. Aware of impact of change
  5. Committed to providing resources
  6. Publicly supportive and reinforcing
  7. privately supportive and reinforcing
  8. Able and willing to deliver consequences, both positive and negative.
  9. Able and willing to monitor status and activities.
  10. Able to sustain ongoing support.

Excellent Targets

  1. Identify and communicate issues and concerns in a non-blaming way.
  2. Ask for what they want and need to be successful.
  3. seek clarity for themselves where confused.
  4. Take initiative to bring clarity to others.
  5. Contribute ideas.

Excellent Change Agents

  1. Are clear about the goals of the change effort
  2. Are clear about what the line needs in order to support the change.
  3. Are aware of the issues involved.
  4. Are clear about the support they need from the sponsor, and are willing to ask for what they want and need to be successful.
  5. Are able to work within the expectations and requirements of the sponsor.

 

Advocacy

There is a fourth role that is important to the change process

Change Advocate Individual or group who wants to achieve a change, but who lacks sufficient sponsorship.
Any of the other three roles can serve as advocates.
Sponsors  Sponsors can be their own advocates by becoming aware of the necessity for change through observing critical events, reading certain reports and articles, anticipating shifting market demands, watching other organizations, etc.

Sometimes the advocating influence comes form peer sponsors in other parts of the organization or from sponsors higher in the organizational structure.

 
Agents  Agents are often influenced in educating sponsors, so they can make sound change decisions.
Targets  Targets can a be rich source of influence to sponsors who will take advantage of their perceptions.

 

 

Source: Selected Readings in Creating Healthy Organizations, LIOS handout.