Consulting Capabilities for Organisational Change

Abstract The aim of this article is to examine the capabilities for consultancy for organisational change. Based on empirical evidence, insight is provided into the capabilities that consultants need in order to be effective in organisational change. These include: building and maintaining relationships; building and sustaining trust; managing emotions; being self-aware; gaining commitment and engagement; being resilient; demonstrating a tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty; demonstrating political astuteness; managing the power dynamics; and creating effective organisational change conversations. The relative emphasis on each capability will depend upon the situation, but all are vital in consultancy for change.