Change management can be embedded in various roles within an organization, such as process improvement, knowledge management, project management, or leadership.
Change fatigue can be addressed through effective communication, open dialogue between employees and leaders, and prioritization based on organizational readiness and capabilities.
Deep dives
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.
This podcast is Part 1 of a conversation between Madison Lundquist, principal research lead for process and performance management at APQC, and Lynda Braksiek, principal research lead for knowledge management at APQC, about how to drive effective change in organizations. Part 1 covers who guides organizations through change and how to prevent change saturation.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode