In Kotter's 8-Step Change Process, which step involves establishing a sense of urgency to motivate change?

• A. Establish a sense of urgency
• B. Form a Powerful Guiding Coalition
• C. Create a Vision
• D. Communicate the Vision

Answer: (A)

Establishing a sense of urgency is the first step to kick off change because it overcomes complacency and makes stakeholders see why acting now is necessary. By highlighting compelling reasons—like external pressures, opportunities, threats, or performance gaps—it creates motivation and momentum to begin the transformation. This initial drive is what enables subsequent steps, such as forming a guiding coalition, developing a clear vision, and communicating that vision, to gain traction. Without a genuine sense of urgency, change efforts tend to stall as people cling to the status quo. So this step best sets the stage for mobilizing the organization and initiating the change process.