Course Description

Leaders, Managers, Information Workers are tasked with implementing a variety of changes within their work units. Changes might occur in technologies, processes, operations, customer expectations, roles, responsibilities, and locations, among many others. Changes might be incremental or transformational. Changes bring emotional highs and lows for employees, and changes can bring positive and negative impacts.

Attendees of this program will be able to lead the organization to achieve desired results in times of change. This workshop helps leaders work productively in situations where change occurs. Participants will examine various models of change, focusing on both readiness and implementation skills. Attendees will clarify the impact of change on the organization and on individuals. They will develop skills to communicate positively and with influence in leading change in a matrix setting. These skills will sharpen their abilities for project/program leadership, effective communication and team building. In addition, leaders will learn to support individuals in working through personal resistance in positive and constructive ways. 

Leaders’ efforts will increase the likelihood that changes are embraced by team members and are anchored into the organizational culture. Insights gained will enable teams and individuals to work more efficiently, work through changes with greater resilience, and ensure personal success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the changes occurring and assess the impact of these changes

• Describe the challenges of change in the workplace

• Understand models of the change process and the components of change

• Describe how change impacts individuals and organizations

• Identify the leader’s role as a “change agent”

• State leadership practices that can guide future change and improvement initiatives

• Describe the role of communication and influence when managing change

• Identify how to navigate through difficult situations and address resistance to change

• Plan to use course knowledge and skills on-the-job