Are you following a standard change management approach?

How’s that working for you?

There are many models and methodologies of how to manage change.  Each proclaims success by following a step-by-step linear approach and applying broad principles of change.

As we know, change is personal and deeply complex, therefore, simply following a step-by-step approach won’t guarantee results.  And yet, many of the methodologies and models in popular use, (PROSCI, Kotter, Kurt Lewin et al.) work on the assumption that all organisations behave in the same way.  Moreover, they provide a comfort factor – that you can control the outcome of change.

I have come to realise three things from my experiences of working with  different organisations and coaching individuals and groups:

• in individual coaching each person responds differently to the same tool
• individuals will behave differently when in a group
• an iterative process provides a learning process (Lean Change and GROW)

When it comes to managing change knowing theories, models and methodologies can definitely help.  For example, PROSCI’s ADKAR model emphasises the pivotal role of stakeholders whilst Kurt Lewin’s model recognises that you have to shake things up (unfreeze) before you can move on.  Kotter’s model illustrates how a vision provides impetus for movement.   Taken together, these models and methodologies provide a rich resource pool for any change agent seeking mastery.

Mastering change is much more than applying a model or methodology

Judgement is everything when it comes to mastering change.  Curating knowledge and developing know-how are part of the process of configuring a method that works for your organisation.  Application, as they say, is everything.  Being able to apply what you know in an authentic and congruent way is where you make the difference.

What if you were to revolutionise the way you think about change?  You don’t need to know how to manage generic change – you only need to know how to manage change in your  organisation.

Free yourself up to choose the best from the smorgasbord of change models and methodologies.  Revolutionise change itself by co-creating approaches that resonate and work in your organisation.

When you realise that mastering change isn’t about applying a model, then you have greater choice to achieve your strategy

Ro Gorell
Change Strategist and Coach

With almost 30 years experience in Organisational Change, Continuous Improvement, and Coaching, Ro has dedicated her career to helping organisations become agile and change ready. To read more about Ro and the Change Management Workshops in Perth she delivers, please click on this link.