NOTE: Please read the instructions carefully.

NOTE: Please read the instructions carefully. Your initial post will not be an outline. You should answer the initial post prompts with a minimum of one paragraph each. Your secondary post should be a reply to your initial post. No responses to your classmates will be required.

For this forum activity, you will have the opportunity to describe how John Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model might be effective in assisting with the successful implementation of your solution to your community issue.

John Kotter, leadership and change management professor at Harvard Business School, introduced his ground-breaking 8-Step Change Model in his 1995 book, “Leading Change.” Built on the work of Kurt Lewin, the model sets out the 8 key steps of the changes process, arguing that neglecting any of the steps can be enough for the whole initiative to fail. Therefore, for this exercise, you will be able to reflect on your chosen solution for your community issue and apply Kotter’s model.

Lastly, you will respond to your initial post with a topic outline roughly laying out your presentation. It will include a solution and an assessment plan. Developing an outline is a very helpful approach to ensure you have a sound structure in mind. It aids in critical thinking, and allows you to ensure all components of the assignment are included.

Initial Post Instructions (Due Wednesday)

Review Networked community change: Understanding community systems change through the lens of social network analysis, Where change happens: Community level phenomena in social entrepreneurship research and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model to prepare for this exercise.

Answer the following prompts in your post:

Propose a solution to your community issue by introducing your issue and then your solution incorporating Kotter’s Model.

How will you know if your solution worked? Include a brief plan to assess your solution’s success in the form of an assessment plan. This might include surveys, interviews, metrics, or evaluations over a certain amount of time.

OUTLINE

Introduction

Briefly introduce the community issue you have identified.

Contextual Background

Provide relevant data or statistics to contextualize the issue.

Solution

Map out how Kotter’s model will be applied to the issue.

Create Urgency

Explain why immediate action is necessary.

Form a Powerful Coalition

Describe the stakeholders involved.

Create a Vision for Change

Articulate what change will look like.

Communicate the Vision

Discuss how you will communicate this vision.

Remove Obstacles

Identify potential barriers and solutions.

Create Short-Term Wins

Detail milestones to measure progress.

Build on the Change

Explain how to sustain momentum.

Anchor the Changes in Corporate Culture

Describe how the change will become a part of the community fabric.

Assessment Plan

Metrics and timelines to evaluate the success of the solution.

References

Tips for Success

Be sure to review the required resources this week, as they will help to guide you on the creation of your outline.

Include references and citations to Kotter’s Model.

Use the Advanced Editor if you would like to format your post. It is not required. Line breaks will suffice.

Ask your instructor any clarifying questions.