Making Change Management Mindful (Part 1): Leading Change and Preventing Fatigue

Forming a Change Management Team

When considering the capabilities critical to the success of change management within an organization, it is important to understand that change management can take on various forms and roles. Change management principles can be embedded in different roles such as process improvement, knowledge management, project management, or leadership. Some organizations even have dedicated change management teams or offices. The discipline of change management requires specific skill sets, which may differ from other roles within the organization. It is crucial to recognize change management as a distinct discipline and to be intentional in assigning specific change management roles or functions.

Communication and Coaching in Change

Effective communication and coaching are key skills for change managers. Listening, empathy, and coaching abilities are highly valuable in managing change. While communication and training are important aspects of change, there is more to change management than just these components. Change managers need to consider resistance, sponsorship, and leadership roles in addition to communication and training. Furthermore, leadership skills are crucial for change managers as they navigate change with peers and upwards within the organization. By understanding the importance of communication and coaching, change managers can address the needs of employees more effectively.

Preventing Change Fatigue

Change fatigue or change saturation has become a prevalent topic in businesses, particularly due to the rapid changes brought about by the pandemic and organizational transformations. Change fatigue can occur when organizations attempt to pursue too many objectives simultaneously, overwhelming employees and affecting their ability to adapt to change. It is essential for organizations to assess whether it is genuine fatigue or a perceived one. Open communication between employees and leaders is crucial in understanding the capacity of employees and identifying any potential areas of improvement. Prioritization becomes key in managing change projects, and it is the responsibility of business leaders, with input from change managers, to determine priorities based on the organization's readiness and capabilities.

APQC Podcasts

Making Change Management Mindful (Part 1): Leading Change and Preventing Fatigue

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Forming a Change Management Team

Communication and Coaching in Change

Preventing Change Fatigue

Business Leaders Set Priorities Based on Inputs from Change Managers

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