I recently completed the Prosci Change Management Certification course, and it was an eye-opening experience in every sense. I gained practical strategies, explored the ADKAR model, and discovered just how essential the human side of change is to success. Here are three key insights that reshaped my perspective:
- The Messenger Makes All the Difference. Change is all about communication—but not just what is said, who says it matters just as much. Employees want to hear big-picture strategies directly from senior leaders as it reinforces the importance of the initiative. For day-to-day updates, they turn to their direct supervisor for clarity and guidance. Trust is key, and as change management consultants, our role is to enable these messengers rather than deliver every announcement ourselves.
- Adoption is the Name of the Game. Launching new systems and processes is great, but here’s the twist: true success hinges on whether employees actually use them. Adoption is the real differentiator. Research from the course showed that organizations with strong change management are seven times more likely to meet their objectives. That’s the power of engaging employees and focusing on the people side of change.
- Resistance is Rooted in Fear—But It’s Manageable. Resistance isn’t just stubbornness; it often stems from fear—whether it’s fear of failure, new responsibilities, or the unknown. The ADKAR model provides a roadmap to tackle these fears strategically, guiding employees from resistance to readiness. It’s all about addressing concerns head-on and building trust throughout the process.
This certification was a powerful reminder that change management goes beyond strategy and planning—it’s all about people! The focus on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and building trust has revolutionized the way I tackle change initiatives, allowing me to create meaningful and lasting impact.