Transition management: leading people through change
Course summary
Whatever the reason, whether it be a merger, a reorganisation or a new initiative, change is sometimes imposed on us, whether we like it or not. This type of change presents managers with some significant challenges, such as how to motivate their teams whilst there is so much uncertainty, how to maintain their authenticity and integrity, and how to look after themselves and others with sensitivity.
This feature of change is called transition and many managers tell us that they feel conflicted in this period and often under-equipped, as conventional management development rarely prepares them to support their staff members who may be feeling ‘wobbly’ or ‘vulnerable’ as the change envelops them.
There are many ‘change management’ courses and most deliver a holistic view of change from planning to implementation and evaluation, based on one of the leading theories of change. However, the primary focus of this course is to help managers appreciate the impact of change by understanding the psychological factors affecting people in transition. We will address three main topics:
1. The dynamics of change and the importance of thinking it through;
2. How change affects people and how they react;
3. Strategies for leading and managing effectively and with credibility.