There are many methodologies you can use in change management, but one of the simplest is the Change Management 101 Model: Plan, Do, Sustain.

Plan Phase – Asses needs and Develop plan

In this phase you are assessing the organizational needs and developing a plan to help change behaviors. It’s all about developing ways to identify workforce issues before they impede progress.

Do Phase – Launch communications and Transition work

During this phase you are working to create a receptive environment for change and ensuring the implementation goes smoothly.

Sustain Phase – Align structures and Optimize results

Your last phase is the most commonly overlooked and often where change tends to fail. Here you are making certain that your change is sustained.

Under each of these phases you have many tools to help you. Here are a few of the most common:

The Plan Phase Tools

Asses needs

• Stakeholder analysis
• Leadership alignment assessment
• People impact assessment
• SWOT analysis
• Change management effort assessment

Develop Plan

• Change management work plan
• HR infrastructure checklist
• Communication audit
• Communication plan
• Leadership involvement plan

The Do Phase Tools

Launch communications

• Key message worksheet
• Elevator speech form
• Communication network table
• Road show agenda
• Feedback form
• Frequently asked questions

Transition work

• Change readiness audit
• Commitment assessment
• Implementation checklist
• Stakeholder commitment meeting template
• Workforce transition plan
• Training needs assessment
• Training plan

The Sustain Phase Tools

Align structures

• Systems and structures action plan
• Rewards and measures alignment template
• Roles and responsibilities template
• Knowledge sharing agreement

Optimize results

• Change integration checklist
• Post implementation scorecard
• Post implementation questionnaire
• Lessons learned process

This is a quick overview of what’s involved in the 101 model for change. It looks lengthy, but if taken one piece at a time, it is a simple way to approach change in a more structured fashion and help to ensure your projects succeed in adoption, engagement and utilization for the long run.

Danielle VanZorn, PMP, SPHR