What does the 'Creating the climate for change' phase in Kotter's model primarily focus on?

The 'Creating the climate for change' phase in Kotter's model specifically focuses on establishing a sense of urgency. This is a critical step because it motivates individuals within the organization to recognize the need for change. By creating a sense of urgency, leaders can highlight the potential consequences of not changing, which helps to engage employees and gain their commitment to the change process.

This phase involves communicating the importance of change effectively, ensuring that everyone understands why the change is necessary. A strong sense of urgency can break down complacency and resistance, making it easier to garner support for the upcoming transformations. This step effectively lays the groundwork for subsequent phases by mobilizing individuals and teams towards a common goal, fostering a collective readiness to embrace change.