Are you a project champion?
By Dr. Thomas L. Landers -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/1/1999
Can you become a project champion? Do you have the right personal chemistry for change management? Besides your own skills you'll need other ingredients for success such as informed and supportive management, empowered associates, competent technical staff, and good partners.A materials handling system project is like some types of chemical reactions. It often needs a catalyst. All the ingredients may be present, but the most important element usually is the project champion, or change agent.
I know some people who are great change agents and they have a lot of common qualities. They are passionate and enthusiastic about their cause. Perhaps vision is becoming an overworked word, but champions really do have vision. They are like John Madden, the well-known TV sports commentator and former coach of the Oakland Raiders football team.
I recall driving one evening in Dallas and listening to Madden talk on a sports radio program. He spoke of "knowing what the end looks like." From the outset, he wanted a team that was physical and tough. Anyone who remembers those great Raiders teams will attest that Madden achieved his vision. The result was excellence.
I have participated in several materials handling system projects and witnessed others. Amazingly, few people know what the end should look like.
Successful project champions start with a sound specification of system function and performance. Champions stay well informed on emerging technologies and trends. More importantly, they take the time to think creatively and be innovators. They are tactful and great communicators but also can be tough when necessary. They are both persistent and patient.
Champions are excellent time managers. They may not depend on cellular phones or electronic organizers, but they keep a calendar, publish a meeting agenda, plan for the meeting to take less than an hour, and stick to the plan. They finish a meeting by itemizing the action list, and within 48 hours they are working their items. By that time they are also in touch with others to help them complete their action items.
This effort takes a lot of self-discipline and some self-sacrifice.
Identify the catalyst in your project's chemistry. Perhaps it's you.
This column marks the final installment in a series on change management that began in August 1997. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing the series and want to thank the editors of Modern Materials Handling for this opportunity and for their help.
Champion required
Materials handling system project champion-
Experienced in leadership; the successful candidate for the position of project champion must demonstrate these skills and qualities:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Discipline
- Energy
- Patience
- Persistence
- Pursuit of life-long learning
- Sacrifice
- Toughness
- Vision
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