Helping Leaders Implement Difficult Changes: The Proven Change Management Framework I Use

Change is hard, but using a proven change management framework can win over staff and create a positive work culture.

I don't know anyone who likes change. We are creatures of habit, routine and familiarity, and change can be very threatening. I went to 14 different schools between Kindergarten and graduating from high school, so I like to think I handle change better than most; but, shake up my routine and I'm just as out of sorts as the next person.

In leadership, we have to navigate our teams through change all the time. It might be scaling up, downsizing, adding services, moving physical locations, or a merger or acquisition of the organization where we work. We can't expect leaders, especially those who don't handle change well themselves, to be able to blindly lead their teams through difficult changes. We have to give them a lot of guidance and support, because they're going through something challenging, too.

I discovered the ADKAR framework years ago when I was separating our health center from the county government. I am a systems and structure person, and using this change management framework helped me handle the significant change my staff was going through systematically, so I didn't let too many things fall through the cracks.

Developed by Jeff Hiatt ADKAR stands for:

Awareness: Thoroughly explaining the need for change

Desire: Foster a desire to participate and support the change

Knowledge: Provide the knowledge required to change

Ability: Ensure the capability to implement change exists

Reinforcement: Implement measures to sustain the change

The framework evolves around effectively communicating the change with your leaders and teams, and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to implement the change. You're also building the will to change by helping everyone understand the "why" for the change.

If you're looking at implementing a significant change, or even a small change, with your team or organization, I recommend you read Change Management: The People Side of Change. Having a change management framework to follow will help you develop a successful path forward.

Do you need help navigating a big change with your health center or staff? Let's talk about how you can make it a seamless transition. Schedule a consult today.