Change and Leading Change

MODULE NAME: Change & Leading Change

Module Duration: 3 Days (can be tailored to requirements)

“If you want to truly understand something, try to change it” – Kurt Lewin

Module Purpose

This course will equip the learner with a range of knowledge and skills that are fundamental to positively contributing to change in our business. The aim is to leave the seminar with skills that you have practiced and can apply immediately on return to your workplace.

To continuously improve the process by which you run your business, you need the ability to look at things differently, develop new concepts and generate fresh ideas. You also need an organization that is receptive to change. Change can be creative and creates new opportunities

Change has been defined as an event that occurs when there is a transition from one state or phase to another. Change is the most basic fact and a practical necessity of life and essential skill for survival. It affects us as individuals and calls for an appropriate response and adaptation.

Following is from Azim Premji’s (Wipro) Speech at IIM, Ahemdabad

“While change and uncertainty have always been a part of life, what has been shocking over the last year has been both the quantum and suddenness of change.

For many people who were cruising along on placid waters, the wind was knocked out of their sails. The entire logic of doing business was turned on its head. Not only business, but also every aspect of human life has been impacted by the change. What lies ahead is even more dynamic and uncertain.

I would like to use this opportunity to share with you some of our own guiding principles of staying afloat in a changing world. This is based on our experience in Wipro. I hope you find them useful.

Be alert for the first signs of change. Change descends on everyone equally; it is just that some realize it faster. Some changes are sudden but many others are gradual. While sudden changes get attention because they are dramatic, it is the gradual changes that are ignored till it is too late.

You must have heard the story of the frog in boiling water. If the temperature of the water is suddenly increased, the frog realizes it and jumps out of the water. But if the temperature is very slowly increased, one degree at a time, the frog does not realize it till it boils to death. You must develop your own early warning system, which warns you of changes and calls your attention to it. In the case of change, being forewarned is being forearmed.

Realize that fear of the unknown is natural. With change comes a feeling of insecurity. Many people believe that brave people are not afflicted by this malady. The truth is different. Every one feels the fear of unknown. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to manage fear without getting paralyzed. Feel the fear, but move on regardless.

Surround yourself with people who are open to change. If you are always in the company of cynics, you will soon find your self becoming like them. A cynic knows all the reasons why something cannot be done. Instead, spend time with people who have a “can- do” approach. Choose your advisors and mentors correctly. Pessimism is contagious, but then so is enthusiasm. In fact, reasonable optimism can be an amazing force multiplier.”

Who should attend?

Generally all staff can benefit from this course. Through this course, they will develop a framework and understanding of change and leading change effectively.

Today in business, there is a huge need to be constructive and creative. There is a need to solve problems and to open up opportunities. There is a need to design new possibilities, not just to argue between two existing possibilities. Change is often the answer!

GENERAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this workshop participants will learn how to:

Be able to reflect on the principles of change management
Use various methods for planning change
Understanding the required steps for Change
Facilitate change activities with others; and, achieve change
Identify human and financial factors in the consideration of change
Be aware of the importance of communication and involving people to facilitate effective change
Identifying resistance to change and facing the pitfalls
Understand the role of leadership in driving change

CONTENT:

Learning Outcomes are achieved through structured learning activities based on:

The Principles of Change Management
Methods of Planning for Change
Using Planning Tools
The Importance of Communication
Thinking About Change
Getting Commitment and Involvement
Types of change and the 10 steps of change
Differing approaches to leadership
Kotter’s ”Eight Stage Process” to Change Management
Development of a Change Action Plan
Discussions/coaching, feedback, questions, and action plan to “APPLY”

“After you’ve done a thing the same way for two years, look it over carefully. After five years, look at it with suspicion. And after ten years, throw it away and start all over” – Alfred Edward Perlman, New York Times, 3 July 1958