Change Management has evolved over time. Yes, it is still a framework that supports and enables the people side of change. So, it is no a surprise that change management is regarded as a critical factor for successful learning delivery.
Change involves the systematic approach of preparing, supporting, guiding the human side of change through feedback and insights. This helps individuals and teams to embrace and adopt new learning initiatives and strategies as they move from their current state to a desired state.
Yes, this may sound daunting, but with effective strategies, change management can be a valuable lever in supporting learning delivery. Let’s look at some of them very briefly.
- Timeous and effective communication: Communication is a crucial component of change management. Communication should be clear, concise, tailored and shared at the “right” time to the impacted and affected audiences. In the context of learning delivery, it is important to communicate the goals, objectives, and benefits of the learning initiative, as well as how the changes may impact them with steps on how to manage the changes.
- Develop a change management plan: A change management plan should be developed to ensure that the learning initiative is successfully implemented. The plan should outline the steps that need to be taken, the resources required, the timeline for implementation, and the expected outcomes. Employees gain comfort in knowing that support is at hand which is a critical element in the change plan.
- Stakeholder enablement and involvement: Identifying, engaging and mapping stakeholders helps them understand the value of their involvement. By involving key stakeholders in the planning and implementation process, organisations can ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed, and that they are invested in the success of the initiative.
- Build a learning culture through training and support: Learning initiatives can be overwhelming for employees. Providing training and support can help employees to adapt to new processes and technologies, and to feel more confident and competent in their work. It allows some check points for learners to address the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilise the new learning delivery methods and overcome any potential barriers or challenges.
- Change readiness: Assessing the readiness of employees and the organisation for change is crucial. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gauge their attitudes, perceptions, and concerns related to the learning initiative. Based on the results, appropriate strategies can be developed to address potential barriers or resistance points. With this knowledge at hand, the team driving the change can create a supportive environment that fosters learning and development.
- Track and Monitor progress: Change management is an ongoing process that should be agile and adaptable. Monitoring progress and adjusting the plan as necessary can help organisations to stay on track and ensure that the learning initiative is successful, relevant and effective.
Change management is a key lever for successful learning delivery. By utilising change management principles, organisations can ensure that their learning initiatives are successful and effectively implemented, resulting in improved employee performance and business outcomes.