Until it isn’t.

How many times have you felt like your window to prepare folks for a change disappeared?

For pretty much everyone trying to drive change, this is reality.

For what seems like forever, we’re the last one on the agenda and at each update, the time runs out discussing the ‘more pressing’ items – like tech issues, cost overruns, and schedule slippage.

You assert yourself to no avail. People are already thinking about the next thing. You approach the PM, sponsor, team leads with your concerns that we’re not spending any time discussing the preparation of the people. And always the same response.

“Change management is super critical so thankfully you’re here. And besides, we know you’ll handle it. But right now, it isn’t a pressing issue.”

Until it is.

As other elements of the program fall behind their original schedule (which happens because every plan is an estimate), nobody cares about change management.

Until they do.

Then, all of sudden, with a compressed timeline and tape and bandages on all kinds of other pieces, the attention is on you!

Fortunately, you’ve been going about the business of managing change and preparing folks for what’s coming, even though your project colleagues didn’t seem to care much.

The “so what” of this is simple. Don’t worry about those that aren’t paying attention. Engage them however is necessary to allow you to care for the people who need you to do what you need to do.

If you’re new at this, don’t fret too much. You just might be surprised how well you’re able to adapt to this reality.

Have a great weekend!