What defines a change agent?

A change agent is primarily defined as someone who actively works to influence and drive transformation within an organization or community. This role involves changing existing patterns of behavior, whether that pertains to individuals, groups, or entire organizations. Change agents possess the skills and mindset necessary to assess the current state, identify areas for improvement or growth, and encourage the adoption of new practices, processes, or mindsets.

The essence of being a change agent lies in facilitating and managing change, making options that focus solely on delegating tasks, setting goals, or conducting training sessions less relevant to this definition. While delegating and setting goals are important tasks within management, they don't inherently involve the transformative impact that characterizes a change agent's influence. Similarly, implementing training sessions can be a part of a change agent's activities, but it is not the defining characteristic of their role; change agents utilize various methods, including training, to achieve broader behavioral changes. Therefore, changing patterns of behavior encapsulates the core function and influence of a change agent within an organization.