AMA with John Oesch | What Leaders need to know about Change

Knowing how to inspire and motivate teams going through change is now a critical skill for leaders to develop. John Oesch is the principal faculty for Rotman's Leading Strategic Change executive program. He sat down to answer some questions about the program. Here's what he had to say:

What is the difference between a change management course and Rotman’s Leading Strategic Change Program?

Successful organizations innovate—often. This means leaders need to go beyond managing specific change initiatives and move towards actively seeking opportunities to change and inspiring others to transform along with them.   

Yes, you will learn critical frameworks and develop a toolkit to take your change initiative into a ready-to-implement plan. However, this program goes beyond change management by also helping you identify opportunities to drive organizational transformation, understand your role as a leader in setting a vision and how to continuously energize teams successfully.

Oh, and I deliver this program with some of the very best Rotman faculty—consistently ranked among the top in the world!

Could I just hire a change consultant?

You could. However, consultants are expensive and project specific. By equipping yourself with the mindset and skill set needed to effectively seek and lead change, you are investing in your leadership capabilities no matter where you go or how often you lead change.

I have an incredibly busy career. I’m not sure if I can afford the time away. 

Leading Strategic Change was designed for busy executives looking for a high-impact program that delivers results. You leave with a customized plan by Friday at noon ready to implement as soon as you get back to the office.

By investing in this program, you are also increasing your chances of a successful initiative by building your change plan in consultation with experienced faculty, industry experts, and your peers. Your organization will benefit immediately from a ready-to-implement plan.

You will also leave with greater confidence in your ability to become a transformational leader. 

I already have an MBA. Do I need this course?

Yes! You may have spent some time in your MBA discussing change in terms of strategy and perhaps culture. However, in this program, you take a deep dive into the critical skills you need to develop as a transformation leader especially in world that's now constantly being disrupted.

You spend an equal amount of time on strategy and customizing best-in-class change models for your initiative as understanding how to navigate the psychology of change to ensure you can sell a vision and effectively lead teams to repeated success.

What can I expect during my time at Rotman?

Like all Rotman executive programs, you experience a three-step learning journey. First, we’ll give you the critical concepts you need to understand the topic. Next, using case studies and experiential exercises, you practice what you learn. Finally, you use the afternoons to consult with faculty and your peers on your own business project. You leave with a finished product by noon on Friday.

Rotman attracts some of the best business minds. When you come to class, you are surrounded by not only leading faculty and industry experts, but peers from a variety of functions and industries from around the world who will enrich your learning experience and become resources for you as you continue to apply what you learn back at the office.

I don’t have a change initiative at the moment. Should I still attend?

Yes! Again, this course helps you build the critical skills you need as a leader to foster a change culture, take your team along on change initiatives and of course, develop a solid framework to design successful change plans. Our faculty are also experts in strategy and will work with you to identify what you should be attempting to change.

Ok, where do I start?

Start by reserving a spot in the next offering: April 2018. You can apply here: Leading Strategic Change - Rotman School of Management

I have more questions. Who can I call?

Call us at 416.978.8815 and we’ll walk you through what to expect. Or, email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.