S8E195: Why Change Management Matters with Karen Ball

This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Martin engage with Karen Ball from ProSci to explore the intricacies of change management. They discuss Karen's journey into the field, the growing demand for change management services, and the impact of remote work on the discipline. The conversation delves into the distinctions between change managers and project managers, the importance of change management in ERP projects, and the evolution of the field over the past 25 years. Finally, they contemplate the future of change management in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for a human-centric approach in an increasingly automated world. In this conversation, Karen Ball discusses the critical role of change management in organizations, emphasizing the importance of cultural readiness, the impact of change managers, and the need for effective measurement of change success. She highlights the significance of building change capability and the resources available for learning about change management. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of leadership in change management and the necessity for organizations to support their employees through transitions.takeaways

• Change management is essential for successful project outcomes.
• The demand for change management has always existed, but awareness is increasing.
• Remote work has changed how change management strategies are developed and implemented.
• Effective communication is crucial for successful change management.
• Change managers focus on the people side of change, while project managers handle the technical aspects.
• Organizations often underestimate the importance of change management in achieving project benefits.
• AI and technology will continue to evolve, impacting change management practices.
• Investing in change management can significantly enhance project success rates.
• The ADCAR model is a key framework for understanding individual change journeys.
• Maturity in change management practices has improved over the years, but challenges remain. ProSci focuses on plain language for effective communication.
• Change management is essential for achieving full adoption of changes.
• Cultural readiness significantly impacts the success of change initiatives.
• Measuring success in change management requires a focus on adoption and proficiency.
• Organizations need to build change capability as a strategic component.
• Active sponsorship is crucial for successful change management.
• Tools and methodologies can guide change management practices.
• Self-learning and curiosity are vital for understanding change management.
• Change management resources are abundant and accessible for learning.
• The human aspect of change management remains irreplaceable.