Organizational Change Management (OCM) is managing the people side of change. Like other art forms, this skill needs to be honed and sharpened. OCM provides a framework and methodology for progressing through a changing environment. The ultimate goal is to eliminate resistance among the end-users affected by the change and ensure they can adopt it and thrive.

Knowledge is critical to ensuring the change is successful and produces a positive return on investment. Thus, education is at the forefront of change management. OCM professionals must have a high degree of knowledge of the educational process in business and a successful history of implementing educational techniques that increase end-user production.

Communication is another crucial aspect of the change process. One of the worst moves you can make is blindsiding the end-users with a change they must be prepared to navigate. Change projects often fail when the communication could be better and more apparent. This farce is usually unintentional, with SMEs thinking they provided the best message possible. Still, it needs to be more in-depth, or different channels provide different messaging to the audience, leading to confusion and a refusal to adopt the change.

Adaptive change is the process of updating a current product or process. These changes are the easiest to implement but can often be better implemented when a consultant works with the organization to ensure a smooth transition. An outside perspective can frequently provide a smooth adaptation as one can see the pitfalls an insider might overlook.

Transformational change involves large-scale shifts in company processes and utilizing new or changing tools. During transformational changes, a change consultant must guide the process and ensure the end user understands how to navigate the change correctly. Transformational changes can make or break a company; they can increase revenue and reduce costs.

Proper OCM also shows that the organization is taking change seriously and is committed to its success. When change management is taken seriously, employees feel valued and cared for, which reduces attrition. A consultant’s strategies can enthuse the organization about the change and increase morale and satisfaction.

OCM also increases the relationship between the organization and its vendors or other third parties. Outside organizations understand that when a consultant is brought in, they will likely be successful and have exquisite organizational and planning skills.

Understanding what metrics best allow the organization to progress through a successful change is another crucial step a consultant can help guide the organization through. Consultants understand how and what metrics to track when to use those metrics, and how to pivot the plan to ensure success. This agility can also help leadership understand where the change is and how it’s going. This allows everyone to stay on track with a standard message and goal. Being agile is critical to a successful change implementation.

Increase your company’s chances of implementing a successful change project by 90%. Contact Enterprise Pursuits, and we can decide what a successful change project looks like. Our consultants will guide you through the process. We guarantee our service will guide your organization through the change process successfully.