Step into Change

It is fantastic to see someone take the brave step of writing on this subject, and just not take the step, but to do it so well. Positioned as a guide for people considering a career in change management, which it certainly is, this book, "Step into Change," will do so much more. To start with, it offers immense value for those contemplating a career in the fascinating world of change. Naomi provides prospective change professionals with a comprehensive range of insights to inform and guide them.

From the very important consideration of why organisational change management is crucial to society, to determining if it is the right path for them, the book covers the practical 'how-tos' of becoming a change professional. It is written for individuals starting their careers and for those looking to shift their career paths. The latter is particularly significant since many of us change professionals began in different roles before finding our calling.

I appreciate that Naomi addresses often-avoided aspects. These include the characteristics necessary for excelling in change management, the darker sides of the field, and the notion that effective change managers must be humble and find satisfaction in knowing they made a difference, even when others may not recognize it. These considerations are vital for anyone thinking about a career in change management.

What else will the book offer?

This book will serve as a valuable resource for recruiters of change professionals. It provides criteria for what makes a successful change practitioner. For those who lead change professionals, it offers deep insights into what to expect from a quality change manager, what inspires effective change managers, and clarifications on what organisational change management truly entails. Currently practicing change managers would be wise to purchase a copy to share with their superiors and other stakeholders, fostering a better understanding of how the change professional adds value when given the opportunity.

For change managers, this book may be both confronting and affirming. The confronting aspect challenges whether change managers are engaged in this work for noble reasons, as discussed by Naomi. They may reflect on their own qualifications and accreditations and realize they might not meet the standards outlined so clearly.

Conversely, the affirming aspect is that self-reflection may reveal their motives and methods align strongly with what is presented here, with the right qualifications and accreditations in place. If this reflection encourages change practitioners to pursue their professional development and address any gaps, then the world benefits.

In conclusion, I will be very interested to see in 20 years if Naomi is correct in stating, "No AI can truly understand human behaviour in organisations, so the role of change practitioner will be immune to the impact of AI."

"Step into Change by Naomi Jones-Black reminded me that not every good book needs to be a lengthy read. You can finish this insightful guide in under 2 hours, and then spend the next 6 months contemplating your career in change management as you explore your options.  

This is the "conversation" you want to have before embarking on a career in change management, and you won’t need to buy anyone coffee or lunch; it’s yours for the price of a coffee and a bagel (which you don’t even have to share).  

As someone who reads extensively, particularly in the realm of organisational change management, I often wish that some management books would just cut to the chase! This book does exactly that. It avoids unnecessary meandering and instead meets you where you are, at the beginning of your consideration for a career in change management.  

The 11 short chapters guide you through what the job entails, the necessary qualifications, character traits that will benefit you, the darker sides of change, and various entry points into change from different fields like HR, Marketing, Project Management, and Business Analytics. Perhaps the next edition could also highlight the potential for teachers, as there’s certainly a lot to explore there!  

The book directly addresses five key non-change roles, illustrating how the transferable skills you've developed will aid you in becoming an effective change manager. Rather than a mere checklist, it offers encouragement and a friendly challenge to take the leap into this career.  

One of the clearest explanations I’ve encountered is the distinction between change leaders and change professionals and how they collaborate to deliver effective change, each drawing on their unique skill sets.  

Naomi does emphasize (her words) the importance of accreditation and touches on some classic models like Kotter and Prosci. I realized these are the two questions I frequently receive from those considering a career switch. They serve as excellent starting points. Gaining accreditation from CMI, ACMP, or a relevant university can certainly benefit you, but it’s just the beginning. As you continue to explore and develop, you’ll find yourself well-positioned in the job market.  

She also tackles the emotional aspects of the job, addressing how we witness others' struggles with change. Page 48 contains my favorite line that all change managers (including myself) should heed: "As a change professional, it is not your responsibility to feel people’s feelings for them or do the act of listening and understanding for them." Maybe I’ll even get that tattooed on my arm.  

Indeed, good things sometimes come in small packages. If you’re contemplating a career in change management and find yourself overwhelmed by countless inspirational videos, LinkedIn articles, and TikTok posts, this book will ground you and guide your initial steps along the way.  

For those of us who are frequently asked, "How do I get into change?" as often as I am, consider gifting this book or suggesting they gift it to themselves. It’s a solid starting point for anyone interested in this field."  

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