Making Change Management Mindful (Part 4): How to Train and Engage Employees in the Change
Sep 5, 2023
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This podcast discusses the importance of training and engaging employees in change management. It emphasizes the need for clear communication, educating employees about change management, and utilizing communities of practice for sharing information and feedback. Furthermore, it highlights the role of change champions in engaging employees and building relationships with leaders during the change process.
Training employees on change should cover both the change itself and how to conduct change.
Engaging employees in the change process requires the involvement of change champions and creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.
Deep dives
Training Employees on Change
When it comes to training employees on change, it is important to consider both training on the change itself and training on conducting change. In most change projects, there is a need for education and training on what the change entails, whether it's a new process, technology, or way of doing things. Depending on the scale of the change, the responsibility for training could fall on the change manager or require the involvement of learning and development specialists. Additionally, at the beginning of a change initiative, it is crucial for the change manager to educate the project team on change management principles and how they will be working together throughout the process. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands the expectations and protocols.
Approaches and Audience for Change Training
When it comes to training employees on how to conduct change, there are different levels and audiences that should receive the training. Change practitioners, individuals who are identified as change experts, need comprehensive training on how to execute change within the organization, covering aspects like assessments, communication plans, and training plans. Additionally, change management capabilities should be built into leadership curriculums to ensure leaders understand and can lead change effectively. Other key roles, such as project managers, product owners, and process engineers, may also benefit from training on change management principles. Moreover, all employees who are impacted by a specific change project should receive training according to their level of involvement and requirements. This can range from high-level overviews for leaders to in-depth training for those directly affected by the change. Tailoring the training to specific audiences is crucial for successful change implementation.
Engaging Employees Through Change Champions
Engaging employees in the change process can be facilitated through the involvement of change champions or change agents. These are individuals who have influence and are respected within the organization. Change champions are instrumental in communicating and advocating for the change within their respective departments or networks. By bringing these change champions together, they can collaborate, provide feedback, and act as ambassadors for the change initiative. Change champions can also serve as pilot participants, super users, or trainers, offering guidance and support to their peers during the implementation phase. Additionally, establishing a change management community of practice can create a platform for employees to learn from one another and share their experiences and best practices related to change. By leveraging the power of change champions and creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, organizations can effectively engage employees and foster a culture that embraces and sustains change.
This podcast is Part 4 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 4 covers how to train and engage employees in the change.
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