Which of the following is the second step in Kotter's 8 steps of change?

• A. develop a change vision
• B. create a guiding coalition
• C. communicate the vision for buy in
• D. empower broad based action

Answer: (B)

Understanding Kotter's change model in order is essential because each step builds on what came before. After you establish a sense of urgency, the next move is to assemble a guiding coalition—an empowered group of leaders and influencers who can drive the change, secure resources, and model the new behaviors. This coalition provides the authority and credibility needed to steer the effort and to set the stage for the rest of the change journey. Only after this coalition is in place do you develop a clear vision and strategy, then communicate that vision to gain buy-in, and finally empower broad-based action by removing obstacles. The other actions listed fit later in the sequence: crafting the vision comes third, communicating the vision comes fourth, and enabling action comes fifth.