A communications plan must includeclear stakeholder messagingtailored to different groups. ACMP emphasizes that during momentum phases, reinforcingwhat stakeholders need to know, feel, and dois critical. Feedback channels (B) and case studies (D) support engagement but are not the core requirement. Sponsors (A) are senders, not the message itself. Clear, relevant messaging ensures stakeholders remain aligned and supported.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Key component: Targeted stakeholder messaging.)

In ACMP practice, resource planning involves assessingskill gapsacross impacted groups and support roles. If the gap analysis demonstrates thatexisting internal staff already possess the required competencies, then external consultants are not justified. Resource augmentation decisions are made based on evidence from skill inventories, competency analysis, and readiness assessments. Budgeting and definition clarity are relevant, but the decisive factor in rejecting consultants is proof thatinternal capacity is sufficient. This reflects both responsible resource use and alignment with ACMP’s principle of leveraging existing organizational strengths before seeking outside support.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Resource Plan: Define roles, assess skills, identify gaps, and plan to close gaps with internal or external resources.)

To ensure alignment with its vision of being socially responsible, leaders shouldadjust the change management planas needed — adding, eliminating, or realigning components. ACMP highlights that plans are dynamic and must evolve to remain consistent with organizational values and vision. While communication (C), measurement (D), and reinforcement (B) are valuable, the comprehensive approach is torealign the plan itselfto reinforce vision consistency.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Guidance: Adjust plans as necessary to align with organizational vision and strategic priorities.)

Organizational readiness involves assessing bothinternal and external conditions. ACMP identifies three crucial factors:

Level of comprehension– Do stakeholders understand the change and its implications?

Culture– Do organizational values and norms support or resist the change?

Sponsorship– Are sponsors active, visible, and aligned to lead the effort?These factors help predict adoption barriers and inform risk and strategy design. While perceptions (D) matter, readiness assessments go deeper intocomprehension. Market factors (A and B) are important at the strategic alignment stage, but not central to readiness evaluation.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Readiness Assessment Activities: Assess comprehension, culture, sponsorship, and contextual enablers/barriers.)

ACMP positions sponsorship as theaccountablerole for realizing benefits and securing adoption within the sponsor’s span of control. Sponsors authorize, prioritize, visibly lead, and ensure middle managers and teams adopt new ways of working. While they also validate plans, give feedback, and help mitigate risks, their defining responsibility isensuring adoptionandbenefits realizationthrough visible, sustained leadership. (Reference:ACMP Standard, cross-cutting role of Sponsorship; Process Groups 2–5: Define sponsorship strategy, engage sponsors, coach sponsors, and sustain visible leadership.)

Thelearning and development strategyis designed to close competency gaps by identifying and addressing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors stakeholders need to adopt the change. According to ACMP, this plan includes training design, coaching, and knowledge transfer activities that prepare individuals for the future state. Stakeholder engagement (B) ensures participation, impact and readiness (C) measure preparedness, and communications (D) raise awareness. However, the plan that directlycloses the competency gapis option A.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Purpose: Equip stakeholders to build competencies required in the future state.)

ACMP emphasizes that communications are most effective when tailored toaudience trust. For personal questions like “What’s in it for me?”, employees expect to hear from theirdirect supervisors, who understand their roles, daily work, and concerns. Executives are the best senders of enterprise-level “why” messages, and the change management team ensures consistency of strategy. HR provides procedural clarity but lacks the direct authority over daily impact. Thus,supervisors are the preferred sendersfor WIIFM communication.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute Plan; Communications activities: Define senders/receivers for message types; Linkage to stakeholder analysis and impact assessment.)