Fundamentals of change management

I've done several change management courses over the years and helped many organizations and teams through transformation. The fundamentals of change management are simpler than you think. It's getting them right in execution that's hard!

Here is how I would distill a lot of change management 101:

1️⃣⁠ ⁠Start with the “why”

Always explain why we’re doing something. What problem it solves, and how it makes someone's life easier or the company stronger.

2️⃣ ⁠Co-create, don’t dictate

Always invite others to give input. Aim for “built with you” and not “done to you.”

3️⃣⁠ ⁠Start small

Test new ideas with one team or for one quarter. If it works, roll it out more broadly.

4️⃣⁠ ⁠Make it easy

Give clear templates, examples, and tools so no one’s guessing or reinventing the wheel.

5️⃣⁠ ⁠Communicate often

Give regular updates, reminders, and context. Repeat yourself on purpose so no one’s left in the dark.

6️⃣⁠ ⁠Measure impact

If something isn’t working, look at the data and adapt fast. If it is working, scale it with confidence.

7️⃣⁠ ⁠Celebrate progress

Every win (big or small) gets recognition. Change isn’t easy, and we should appreciate everyone moving forward together.

There are tactics you can learn to help with all of those, but honestly? A lot of it comes down to transparency, empathy, patience, gratitude as positive reinforcement, and iterative progress.