Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Program Consultant Practice Test

The first step to successful change, according to John Kotter's change management model, is establishing a sense of urgency. This step is crucial because it helps to motivate people to engage with the change process. When a sense of urgency is created, it emphasizes the importance of change and the potential risks of not addressing the current situation. This feeling encourages stakeholders to take action and supports the necessary momentum for change.

Kotter argues that without this initial urgency, efforts to change can become stagnant or met with resistance, as individuals may not see the need for change or may be comfortable with the status quo. By establishing a sense of urgency, leaders can galvanize support for the initiative, making it an essential foundation for the subsequent steps in the change process. This initial buy-in is vital for building the guiding coalition, creating a compelling vision, and eventually communicating that vision effectively.