Cast of Characters

Senior Sponsor: One of several top executives who authorize the entire transformation project and create the Charge for Change (a document that paints a vision for the future of the organization and sets boundaries for the transformation). While  Sr. Sponsors promote and protect a transformation project, they are also responsible for making the decision to end it.

Sponsor: A manager who supports Change Agents' work developing Change Initiatives -- and Change Teams -- focused on transforming processes that affect the manager's operations.

Changers: Members of Change Teams.

Change Team: A self-managed team of 4-7 people who volunteer to work together to implement a Change Initiative prepared by a Change Agent. Teams select people to serve as Champions and Coaches for support. Change Teams undergo a development process during which members learn to work together in a new ways. Most people find the Change Team experience more rewarding than normal work.

Change Agent: A person who researches, plans and organizes Change Initiatives, then brings together a small, diverse group people who want to make those plans a reality.

Champion: A person who assists a Change Team by generating support for its Change Initiative, neutralizing opposition to the Initiative and helping to arrange resources (funding, people, time, things, etc.) to implement change.

Team Coach: A specially trained veteran Change Team member who helps a Change Team work together effectively, continue personal development and keep focused on the initiative.

Written by Heidi Jeanne Hess (Doug Wesley contributed)

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Updated: July 5, 1998