Kotter 8-Step Change Model
John Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change, first published in 'Leading Change' (1996) and updated in 'Accelerate' (2014). The model organizes change leadership into three phases: creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining change.
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Framework Domains (8)
Step 1 Create Sense of Urgency
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step1-Create-Sense-of-Urgency-Kotter-1996-Leading-Change-2014-Accelerate-Bold-Aspirational-Big-Opportunity | Kotter Step 1 Create Sense of Urgency + 1996 Leading Change + 2014 Accelerate Big Opportunity |
Step 2 Build Guiding Coalition
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step2-Build-Guiding-Coalition-Sponsor-Network-Position-Power-Expertise-Credibility-Leadership | Kotter Step 2 Build Guiding Coalition + Position Power + Expertise + Credibility + Sponsorship |
Step 3 Strategic Vision and Initiatives
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step3-Form-Strategic-Vision-Initiatives-Big-Opportunity-Imaginable-Desirable-Feasible-Focused-Flexible-Communicable | Kotter Step 3 Form Strategic Vision + Initiatives + Big Opportunity Statement |
Step 4 Enlist Volunteer Army
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step4-Enlist-Volunteer-Army-Communicate-Vision-Walk-the-Talk-Repetition-Multiple-Channels-Two-Way | Kotter Step 4 Enlist Volunteer Army + Communicate Vision + Walk-the-Talk |
Step 5 Enable Action by Removing Barriers
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step5-Enable-Action-Removing-Barriers-Empowerment-Structures-Systems-Skills-Supervisors-Resistance-Management | Kotter Step 5 Enable Action by Removing Barriers + Empowerment + Resistance Management |
Step 6 Generate Short-Term Wins
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step6-Generate-Short-Term-Wins-Visible-Unambiguous-Related-to-Change-Within-6-18-Months-Measurement-Health | Kotter Step 6 Generate Short-Term Wins + Visible + Unambiguous + 6-18 Months + Measurement |
Step 7 Sustain Acceleration
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step7-Sustain-Acceleration-Dual-Operating-System-Network-Hierarchy-Successive-Waves-Continuous-Volunteer-Energy | Kotter Step 7 Sustain Acceleration + Dual Operating System + Successive Waves |
Step 8 Institute Change Anchor in Culture
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-Step8-Institute-Change-Culture-Anchor-Behaviour-Norms-Shared-Values-Succession-Onboarding-Storytelling | Kotter Step 8 Institute Change + Anchor in Culture + Behaviour + Norms + Succession |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Kotter 8-Step Change Model, you already cover:
LEADS in a Caring Environment
100%
8 controls mapped
Compare →NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
50%
4 controls mapped
Compare →ISO 37000:2021
38%
3 controls mapped
Compare →+ 3 more: Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model (25%), COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (25%)
See all 6 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 6 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kotter 8-Step Change Model?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model is a compliance framework from International with 8 domains and 8 controls. John Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change, first published in 'Leading Change' (1996) and updated in 'Accelerate' (2014). The model organizes change leadership into three phases: creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining change. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Kotter 8-Step Change Model have?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model has 8 controls organised across 8 domains. The largest domains are Step 1 Create Sense of Urgency (1 controls), Step 2 Build Guiding Coalition (1 controls), Step 3 Strategic Vision and Initiatives (1 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Kotter 8-Step Change Model map to?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model maps to 6 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are LEADS in a Caring Environment (100% coverage), NHS Healthcare Leadership Model (50% coverage), ISO 37000:2021 (38% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Kotter 8-Step Change Model compliance?
Start your Kotter 8-Step Change Model compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Kotter 8-Step Change Model requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 8 controls and track your progress.
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