There are two approaches to learn change management: which one will you choose?

People learn change management for different reasons and in varied circumstances. There is not a right or a wrong method for learning it, but there are better ways to accelerate your results and reduce risks.

Traditional vs. Innovative approaches

Traditional approaches rely extensively on power point slides and instructor-led content. In this format, attendees are expected to listen to an “expert” delivering valuable information and, if they are lucky, they get a chance to test their knowledge with an exercise that may not necessarily be connected to real life. It always astonishes me that people—even individuals in high levels of the organization—sit through these trainings that can be as long as 3 days long.

Another characteristic of this training approach is the lack of pre and post work. That is, the training experience is treated as a single event where people are expected to absorb knowledge that is supposed to turn into key insights and magically change behavior. This almost never happens.

Innovative approaches to learning such as ExperienceChange? focus on facilitating a creative conversation among participants. In this approach, the experts are the attendees and not the speaker. Hence, during almost 75% of the day they are working to find a solution to a problem presented to them. Throughout the experience, participants are also given the opportunity to receive feedback on the decisions they make and learn from a case study that resembles real life.

The learning experience doesn’t end on the day of the workshop. Pre-work is required and resources and tools are available to participants after the workshop to continue to build on their knowledge outside the classroom, along with one on one coaching opportunities.

I always tell my clients about the importance of being equipped with the necessary skills to navigate through change before the change takes place. The question is: what learning approach will work best for your team?

Do you agree with this post? Leave your thoughts in the comments!