What does it take to be a 'Change Agent'?

Today I was fortunate enough to be an audience member for a Monty L. Hipp speech. Although there were a multitude of points made, I spent the afternoon tossing around in my head the dynamics of a 'change agent' as Monty stressed the importance of the role in everyday life. I found some interesting literature on the subject, but this blog entry from Dennis Stevenson of Original Thinking is my favorite:

* A change agent lives in the future, not the present. Regardless of what is going on today, a change agent has a vision of what could or should be and uses that as the governing sense of action. To a certain extent, a change agent is dissatisfied with what they see around them, in favor of a much better vision of the future. Without this future drive, the change agent can lose their way.

* A change agent is fueled by passion, and inspires passion in others, Change is hard work. It takes a lot of energy. Don't underestimate this. I like to think about the amount of energy it takes to boil water. From 212 degree water to 212 degree steam takes a lot more energy than heating water from 211 degrees to 212 degrees. In my experience, without passion, it is very difficult indeed to muster up enough energy to assault the fortress of status quo that seems to otherwise carry the day.

* A change agent has a strong ability to self-motivate. There will be many days where everyone around does not understand and will not offer props. The change agent needs to find it within themselves to get up every day and come to work and risk being misunderstood and misappreciated, knowing that the real validation may be far in the future and may be claimed by someone else.

* A change agent must understand people. at the end of the day, change is about people. If you change everything but the people, I doubt you'll be effective as a change agent. Change will really "stick" when people embrace it. Therefore, change is part sales, part counseling and part encouragement. It's all about people.

A change agent, in my opinion, seems to be no more than a title for the best of the best in leadership roles -- a highly effective, motivated, and absolutely genuine leader.

Not a bad goal.

bk