20 Questions to Ask Your Change Sponsor
One of the simplest and most effective ways to gain leadership support for your initiative is to have a conversation with the sponsor of your change effort. In a thoughtfully structured thirty-minute conversation, you should be able to gather several vital pieces of information to inform your next moves.
Use the questions below to prepare for your next meeting with your change sponsor. Then, record your notes on The Change Leader’s North Star Canvas. (Download your free copy here.)
Why Change?
What makes this change necessary for the organization?
How urgent is the change?
What is at stake for the organization in making this change?
What will likely happen if we do not make this change successfully?
Relative to other initiatives currently in progress, how significant is this effort?
Leadership
Do you believe I am the right person to lead or facilitate this effort?
What do you see as my unique qualifications for leading or facilitating the change?
Vision
What would success look like to you?
What will be possible if we are successful with the change?
How will you know we’re heading in the right direction?
Sponsorship & Resources
What amount of time, energy, or money would you be willing to invest in helping this effort be successful?
What level of involvement would you like to have in the change effort?
Would you be willing to act as a sponsor or champion for this change?
Key Partners
How do you think others will receive the change in the organization?
Who might be enthusiastic about the change?
Who might have concerns?
Who needs to be included in the working team?
Headwinds & Tailwinds
What factors might make it harder to move forward?
What factors might make it easier to move forward?
What issues need to be addressed along the way?
