Change is the introduction of something that moves us outside of our comfort zone. Depending on your point of view, change can be for the better or the worse!

Change is a constant in many of our lives. All around us, technologies, processes, people, ideas, and methods often change, affecting the way we perform daily tasks and live our lives.

This workshop will provide the necessary tools to implement changes more smoothly and to have those changes better accepted. It will also give all participants an understanding of how change is implemented and some tools for managing their reactions to change.

At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:

• Accept that there are no normal or abnormal ways of reacting to change, but that we must start from where we are.
• See change not as something to be feared and resisted but as an essential element of the world to be accepted.
• Understand that adapting to change is not technical but attitudinal. Change is not an intellectual issue but one that strikes at who you are.
• Recognize that before we can embrace the way things will be, we must go through a process of grieving, and of letting go of the way things used to be.
• See change as an opportunity for self-motivation and innovation.
• Identify strategies for helping change be accepted and implemented in the workplace.

Course Outline:

Introduction and Course Overview

You will spend the first part of the day getting to know participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

What is Change?

To begin the day, we will discuss some basics of change, including definitions and examples.

The Change Cycle

During this session, we will explore the three phases of William Bridges’ change cycle through lecture and small group work.

The Human Reaction to Change

This session will look at Daryl Conner’s interpretation of the human response to change through lecture and small group work.

The Pace of Change

We will look at how different people react to change in different ways and at different times through a lecture and a case study.

The Pyramid Response to Change

We will examine how employees, middle management, and upper management are affected by change.

A Four Room Apartment

This session will look at change using Claes Janssen’s four room apartment model.

Dealing with Resistance

During this session, we will examine the three keys to successful change.

Adapting to Change

This session will discuss how to become resilient to change through a lecture, personal case studies, and small group discussion.

Strategies for Dealing with Change

Now that we have looked at change using a number of models, we will look at five strategies that can help you deal with change.

Managing Anger

Change often makes people feel angry. We will look at some ways of dealing with our own anger and the anger of others through lecture and small group work.

Managing Stress

Change can also make people feel stressed. During this session, we will look at some stress management and relaxation techniques.

Workshop Wrap-Up

At the end of the day, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan