What do you do if you want to enhance your change management skills?

Look for and use an assessment instrument to evaluate your change management skills at the start to know where you are. Then get a good book that weaves the key theories into examples. Next try to analyze a case on change management to ensure you understand how best practice in change management works. Next look for opportunities to apply and practice what you’ve learned for a few weeks and document the experience in a journal. Then use the assessment instrument again to assess if your skills have improved and in which areas. Then repeat the cycle every now and then. Note: proficiency requires doing this every now and then.

Analyze the fundamental theories used in change management to find ways to navigate it: Dive into the basics of Lewin’s, Kotter’s, and ADKAR models. These frameworks will give you the information you need to predict key challenges and approach them organizationally. Based on my experience as a change management leader, I examine the basics of psychology regarding resistance to change and various ways to solve the problem. These instruments will help you create a new vision to navigate change rapidly and effectively and break free from existing frameworks.

To enhance my change management skills, I seek out training programs, attend workshops, and read relevant literature. I also actively seek opportunities to apply these skills in real-world situations, reflecting on successes and areas for improvement.

When managing change, you can choose from three strategies: tell, sell, or engage. With tell, you say, “do it my way,” without regard for employee input. With sell, you try to persuade employees to accept the change by highlighting the benefits. With engage, you involve employees in the decision-making process, which can lead to greater buy-in and commitment. Change management is a holistic process that involves culture, process, tools, and space. Focusing on just one aspect of change management, such as space, can lead to incomplete results. Instead, organizations should consider all four elements to ensure successful change management Planning for the overall change strategy and how it connects to broader business goals is also crucial

Some perspectives 1. Examine the change impact of every HR initiative you undertake - at individual and team level- this will help help create a more focused action plan 2. Diagnosis is the key - there are 3 questions here - what are the drivers for change, what is the vision / outcome envisaged and what is in scope 3. Understanding reactions to change- using for eg: the kubler-Ross model - allows us to help people overcome resistance

Seeking training is another crucial step in enhancing your change management skills. Look for courses or programs that are accredited by reputable organizations such as the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) or the Change Management Institute (CMI). These programs will provide you with practical tools and techniques to manage change, as well as opportunities to network with other professionals in the field. Additionally, consider earning a certification in change management, such as the Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) or the Certified Management Professional (CMP). This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and enhance your credibility.

When seeking training in change management consider a long-term option that provides space between modules/lessons for you to apply the learning in a real-world scenario. A certificate program, or a self-paced online degree course. The space to apply and implement is vital to your investment, as 90% of learning in trainings is forgotten if not implemented within 14 days.

In order to improve your ability to manage change, it is important to actively get involved in change initiatives, find a mentor to guide you, and attend formal training sessions. Take time to learn from your past experiences, stay informed about current industry practices, and work on developing key soft skills such as communication and leadership. Use feedback to continuously improve your strategies.

Gaining experience is essential to developing your change management skills. Look for opportunities to work on change initiatives within your organization, or volunteer to lead a change project outside of work. As you gain experience, reflect on what worked well and what didn't, and use those lessons to improve your approach for future change initiatives. Consider working with a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the world of change management.

The reflective routine which I follow: Schedule dedicated time for reflection: Set aside specific periods, such as at the end of each day or week, to reflect on your experiences and achievements. Use reflective prompts: Ask yourself questions such as "What went well?", "What could have been done differently?", and "What did I learn from this experience?" Keep a reflective journal: Write down your thoughts, observations, and insights in a journal or notebook to track your progress and development over time. Seek feedback: Solicit input from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to gain different perspectives and insights into your performance.

Reflecting regularly on your experiences and practices is vital to enhancing your change management skills. Set aside time to review your projects, identify areas for improvement, and document your lessons learned. Use this reflection time to evaluate your performance, celebrate your successes, and identify opportunities for growth. Additionally, seek feedback from others, including colleagues, stakeholders, and clients, to gain new insights and perspectives.

Merci de me permettre de m’exprimer c’est vraiment une super interaction, c’est dans cette émulsion d’idées que le monde avance

Networking widely is another key aspect of enhancing your change management skills. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other change management professionals on social media. These networks will provide you with opportunities to learn from others, share your experiences, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in change management.

I would say there is nothing more important then the people so Connect with people: Understand their concerns and build trust. Sell the "why": Clearly explain the benefits of the change. to do that you need at least follow these steps: Focus on how it improves their work, not just what changes. Highlight what matters most to each audience. Use numbers and real-life examples to show the positive impact. Acknowledge challenges and explain how the change helps overcome them. Be the champion: Show your own passion and belief in the benefits. Offer training, clear communication, and celebrate wins. Change takes time, so adjust as needed

Staying updated on the latest trends, research, and best practices in change management is crucial to remaining relevant and effective in the field. Set aside time to read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to stay informed. Additionally, consider subscribing to change management blogs and newsletters to stay current on the latest developments.

Don’t be a change dodo ?? by being just a moronic change communicator. Change management is not just a communication plan or just communications, but rather an art of diving in, knowing the domain and the environment and stakeholders deeply, and failing fast in every step to rise up quickly and evolve your game plan to adapt to the change. Also try not to be a methodology dodo! ??. There’s much to say about that. Maybe another time!

Volunteer to lead a small change project from identifying the needed change to planning the change project to assembling team members for execution to implementing the project. Linked the project outcome to specific area of business improvement. Conduct periodical learning insights for each phase of the project and share these insights with management for stakeholders buy-in for future change projects as well as market yourself in change management practitioner. Prepare your report covering salient areas of lessons learned, what could be improved organisationally in term of project support plus what can be done better in project management.

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind as you work to enhance your change management skills: Be adaptable and flexible, as change management is a constantly evolving field. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as these are essential for effective change management. Be prepared to challenge the status quo and lead by example. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning and growth. Consider the cultural and organizational context in which you are working, and tailor your approach accordingly.

While training and hands on learning are critical to becoming proficient at change management, gaining a clear understanding of the tools your organization uses, should be your first step. All companies have different approaches to how they do or in some cases don’t tackle change. Knowing the climate and the past of how your company trains On change and embraces it, will allow you to be most successful. Once you have a clear understanding of the tool set and environment available you can begin to prepare for how to best learn and become a change agent.

Staying updated ensures that you are aware of the latest tools, techniques, and best practices. Additionally, attending conferences, workshops, and webinars provides opportunities to learn from experts, share insights with peers, and gain exposure to innovative approaches in change management.