Change with Confidence

About the Author

Phil Buckley is a renowned change management expert with a career spanning over two decades. His experience encompasses developing and executing change strategies across diverse global businesses in Canada, the Americas, and the UK. Notably, Buckley co-led the global change management for Kraft Foods' acquisition of Cadbury, an endeavor that involved coordinating 40 change leaders across 60 countries. His expertise is encapsulated in his book, "Change with Confidence," which provides practical answers to the critical questions that keep change leaders up at night. The book is a testament to his deep understanding of the intricacies of organizational change and his commitment to helping leaders navigate these challenges successfully.

Main Idea

"Change with Confidence" serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders managing organizational change. The book is designed to provide actionable insights and strategies to address the most challenging questions encountered during change initiatives. Buckley posits that successful change management hinges on the ability to guide people through transitions in their thinking and behaviors, aligning them with new organizational goals and processes. The book covers the entire spectrum of change management, from understanding the need for change to planning, executing, and ensuring the sustainability of change efforts. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Buckley empowers leaders to lead change with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty and resistance.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Figuring It Out
• Part 2: Planning for Change
• Part 3: Managing Change
• Part 4: Making Change Stick

Part 1: Figuring It Out

In the initial phase of a change project, it is crucial to understand the scope and impact of the change. Buckley emphasizes the need to analyze previous change initiatives to identify what worked, what didn't, and why. This analysis helps in understanding the current state of the organization and the desired future state. One of the critical tasks in this phase is identifying the key stakeholders who can influence the success or failure of the project. Engaging these stakeholders early on is essential to gather insights, address concerns, and build a coalition of support for the change.

Understanding the Scope of Change

Buckley stresses the importance of thoroughly mapping out what needs to change in terms of mindsets, behaviors, skills, processes, and systems. This comprehensive assessment provides a clear picture of the magnitude of the change required and the potential challenges that may arise. For example, during the integration of Cadbury Adams USA's enterprise operating system, the project team discovered that key individuals were overcommitted to multiple projects, resulting in missed milestones. By identifying and addressing these resource constraints early on, the team was able to realign priorities and secure the necessary resources to stay on track.