Change Management

Change Management: Definition, Best Practices & Examples

Change management is a systematic approach that includes dealing with the transition or transformation of...

organizational goals
core values
processes
technologies

The purpose of every change management initiative is to successfully implement strategies and methods for effecting change and helping people to accept and adapt to change.

Only 38% of people like to leave their comfort zone. 62% will resist the change.

3 Types of Organizational Change

Developmental change - Improve existing processes, strategies and procedures.
Transitional change - Move the organization away from the current state to a new state in order to solve a problem, such as automation.
Transformational change - Change that radically and fundamentally alters the culture, core values and operations

When Change Management Is Needed

Implementation of a new technology
Mergers & acquisitions
Change in leadership
Change in organizational culture
Times of a crisis

Most Common Change Management Challenges

identify clear goals and milestones
If your leaders are not convinced about the benefits of change, it will be hard to implement it.
it can be hard to identify the resources, budgets and individuals that will facilitate the process and lead the change before the process even starts
Slow approval processes can cause delays in change implementation
change management process should have a well set plan. The plan should consist of a timelines, and change milestones should be identified.
Changes within organizations can develop emotions of uncertainty and fear
address resistance on a psychological level and proactively remove behavioral barriers that restrict change
constant communication during the change experience
Have everyone on board and informed before and during the implementation process

12 Change Management Best Practices

Define clear goals
Be honest and transparent
Train and reassure your teams
Encourage conversations and communicate regularly
Listen to your employees
Bring your leaders on board
Choose the right communication tool
Empower your employees
Encourage knowledge sharing
Document and make information easily accessible
Recognize and reward
Make it social

Change Management Model

Kotter’s change management theory

Increase urgency – Create a sense of urgency among the people so as to motivate them to move forward towards objectives.
Build the team – Get the right people on the team by selecting a mix of skills, knowledge and commitment.
Get the vision correct – Take into account not just the strategy but also creativity, emotional connect and objectives.
Communicate – Openly and frequently communicate with people regarding the change.
Get things moving – Get support, remove the roadblocks and implement feedback in a constructive way.
Focus on short term goals – Set small goals and achievable parts is a good way to achieve success without too much pressure.
Don’t give up – Be persistent while the process of change management is going on, no matter how tough things may seem.
Incorporate change – Reinforce and make it a part of the workplace culture.

ADKAR Framework

Awareness – of the need and requirement for change
Desire – to bring about change and be a participant in it
Knowledge – of how to bring about this change
Ability – to incorporate the change on a regular basis
Reinforcement – to keep it implemented and reinforced later on as well.

Lewin’s Change Management Model

Unfreeze - Preparation for change. Employers must get prepared for the change and explain to people why the change is necessary. As most people are resistant to change, this step helps to break this status quo.
Change - The change process takes place. Good leadership and effective employee communications are crucial for this step.
Refreeze - The change has been accepted. Employees start going back to their normal pace and routine. Leaders to make sure that the changes are adopted and used even after the change management objectives have been achieved.