When was the last time you had space to truly think through a major organizational change before you were in the midst of it?
It’s probably been a while, right?
What’s Going On?
To be fair, there are occasions when there truly is limited time to plan and prepare—like a crisis or emergency that requires an immediate response.
But I think that there are far more occasions when planning and preparation would be warranted… It just doesn’t seem to happen that often.
Why is this? As I work with leaders in a wide range of organizations and sectors, I hear a common refrain: “We just don’t have time for that. Planning is a luxury.”
I get it. It certainly feels that way. But what are the consequences of organizational change that is poorly planned?
- Missteps
- Confusion
- Resistance
- Delays
Each of which can be costly. Together, they sap morale and trust in leadership.
The Solution: A Strategic Time Investment in Preparation
The time we think that is required for planning feels daunting. It requires blocking time in your schedule. Convening people. Collecting information. We’ve all been in those endless loops of “meetings about meetings about meetings.”
I’ll be direct: Preparation does take time. But it’s an investment that will pay exponential dividends.
When you bring key people together, explore the issues affecting your company, and identify a path forward, you’re saving significant time down the road. You’ll face:
- Fewer missteps to correct
- Clearer communications that reduce confusion
- Stronger alignment on direction
In fact, you can develop a solid draft for an organizational change process in as little as two hours! (see details below)
Four Power Moves
While there are many elements to consider when preparing for change, I see them falling into four moves. Tackle them sequentially to build a solid foundation for your upcoming change.
MAP: Create a Context Map
- Why is change needed?
- What’s happening now to either drive change or sustain the status quo?
- What forces are influencing the current state of affairs?
MOBILIZE: Develop a Stakeholder Assessment
- Which people and groups will be impacted by the change?
- What are their interests in the change?
- How can you engage them to promote support?
MOVE: Prepare a Plan
- Based on your context and stakeholder analysis, what’s your change goal?
- How will you initiate the change?
- What prerequisites need to be in place before announcement?
MESSAGE: Communicate the Change
- How will you move people from awareness to engagement?
- Who are your credible change champions?
- What’s your messaging strategy for…
- The need for change?
- The benefits of change?
- The change process itself?
Now It’s Your Turn
I invite you to use four Power Moves when you prepare for your next organizational change!
Share your experience with me—I’m here to help you navigate change with confidence.
Want to learn more about implementing these strategies? Let’s connect and work together to prepare for your next big change.
Navigate Your Organization’s Next Big Change with Confidence:
A Workshop for Change Leaders
Just as a seasoned hiker carefully prepares their backpack before a challenging journey, successful organizational change requires thoughtful preparation and the right tools. This hands-on workshop provides you with a protected time and space in which you can map out your next significant organizational change.
What Makes This Workshop Different?
- PRACTICAL FOCUS: Leave with a working draft of your change management plan
- REAL-WORLD APPLICATION: We’ll use tools that have been proven to enable successful change in organizations (including those that have scaled from seven to eight and even nine figure budgets)
- EXPERT GUIDANCE: I’ll provide personalized support to help you navigate common pitfalls
You’ll Discover:
- The four essential plays that will fuel your change plan
- Five frequently overlooked mistakes that can threaten your change
- Surprising insights about enrolling your people in your change vision
- Strategic approaches to make the transition smoother for your team
Workshop Details:
The workshop can be tailored to your organization. Available formats include two hours, four hours, or eight hours versions (these can be run as a single session, or several shorter steps)
We support both in-person and virtual settings.
Reserve your place by completing the Contact Form.
Curious about where your organization stands? Take our free Change Readiness Assessment →