Change Phases
(Kotter)

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Preventing common mistakes in change processes. Explanation of Change Phases of John Kotter. ('90)

Often, creating value requires significant change. John Kotter concluded in his book "A force for Change: How Leadership Differs from Management" (1990) that there are eight reasons why many change processes do not succeed:

Eight reasons why many change processes don't succeed

Allowing too much complacency.
Failing to build a substantial coalition.
Not understanding the need for a clear vision.
Failing to clearly communicate the vision.
Permitting roadblocks against the vision.
Not planning for short term results and not realizing them.
Declaring victory too soon.
Fail to anchor changes in corporate culture.

The change phases model

To prevent making these mistakes, Kotter created the following Change Phases model. It consists also out of eight steps:

Establish a sense of urgency.
Create a coalition.
Develop a clear vision.
Share the vision.
Empower people to clear obstacles.
Secure short-term wins.
Consolidate and keep moving.
Anchor the change.

According to Kotter, it is crucial to follow the eight phases of change in the above exact sequence.

Book: John Kotter - A force for Change -

Change Phases Forum

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Kotter and Public Sector Change
"As a 2yr MBA student and a middle manager within the fire service, I'm investigating an organisational change programme.
I am interested to hear of public sector organisational change programmes..."

How is the Change Presented and Communicated?
"Though I believe that with change management substance is important, I believe that form is also important.
That which is first noticeable in the continuum of change is quite often form. With fo..."

Kotter Change Steps for Political Change
"Since I learned the 8 steps change approach of Kotter, I've started following them in my business initiatives and I noticed that although not easy to do, it leads to success for sure if ..."

The Roles of Management in Change
"Top management must commit itself in words and deeds to accomplish the planned change. We must go more for substance rather than form. Engagement is necessary and the role of middle manageme..."

Using Kotter After Cameron and Quinn's Competing Values Framework
"At the moment I am describing the organisational situation using the competing values framework (Cameron and Quinn) and would like to know i..."

Creating the Right Conditions
"Kotter's 8-Step Change Process is clear, concise and simple to implement. It is a superb framework for change.
Before implementing it, please ensure that:
- the strategic direction is cl..."

Disadvantages of the Kotter Theory
"I would like to know If someone thinks there are disadvantages to using the Kotter Change theory?"

Neglecting the Change Phases
"I lead a change process where I was acutely aware of the fact that the initiation of change was based on a positive vision but nothing was broken, we had no "burning platform". I was not in the..."

Our Iceberg Is Melting
"A recent book by Kotter is: Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions. In this light, quick read in the form of an allegory, Kotter explains his 8-step framework for effecti..."