When to Make the Call: Bringing in an Outside Professional If your organization is facing any of these challenges, it’s time to consider bringing in an outside change management professional. Change isn’t just about executing a plan—it’s about managing the human impact of that plan. A well-executed change management strategy ensures that your employees are prepared, engaged, and ready to move forward confidently. Outside professionals bring fresh perspectives, proven methodologies, and the ability to stay objective when navigating complex changes. Their experience can be the difference between a change initiative that simply “gets done” and one that delivers real, lasting benefits for your organization.

Why a Change Readiness Assessment MattersA change readiness assessment is more than just a checklist—it’s a diagnostic tool that provides a clear picture of how prepared your organization is for change. Without it, you’re essentially flying blind, hoping your team can adapt as things evolve. With it, you gain insight into what’s working, what’s not, and where you need to focus your efforts.Here’s why a change readiness assessment is so powerful: It ...

What is Project Management?At its core, project management is about planning and executing a set of tasks that lead to the completion of a project. Think of it as the blueprint for getting something done. Project managers handle timelines, budgets, resources, and scope. They ensure that tasks are assigned, milestones are met, and the project is delivered on time.In our house-building analogy, project management is the process of coordinating the contractors, scheduling the work, ...

In today’s fast-paced business world, change is inevitable. Whether it’s adopting new technology, restructuring departments, or expanding into new markets, companies must evolve to stay competitive. But here’s the reality: while change is constant, success during change isn’t guaranteed. One of the biggest reasons organizations struggle? Their teams aren’t ready.Being "change-ready" means more than simply understanding that change is coming. It’s about having ...

Imagine walking into your office to find that overnight, all your familiar tools have been replaced with advanced AI systems. Your first thought might be panic, followed quickly by "How are we going to manage this change?" This scenario, while extreme, isn't far from the reality many HR departments are facing. According to a 2023 PwC survey, 52% of HR leaders plan to implement AI solutions within the next year, yet only 28% feel prepared to manage the associated changes.In this rapidly evolving ...

The DIY Approach is Getting You NowhereYou’re an experienced leader, and you’ve handled plenty of challenges before. So when a major change is on the horizon—whether it’s implementing new technology, restructuring your organization, or merging with another company—you figure you can handle it. After all, how hard could it be?Well, if your “simple” change initiative is starting to resemble that aforementioned waterfall, it’s a clear sign that ...

Imagine you’re a pilot flying through turbulent skies. Your passengers are nervous, the plane is shaking, and everyone is looking to you to stay calm and guide them safely through the storm. But here’s the catch: You’re just as anxious as they are. How do you keep your cool and ensure everyone makes it through in one piece?Leading others through change is a lot like being that pilot. Your team is counting on you to navigate through uncertainty, but if you’re not managing ...

Imagine you’re the conductor of a train hurtling down the tracks at full speed. The landscape around you is changing rapidly—new tracks are being laid, advanced technology is being introduced, and the passengers are expecting a smoother, faster ride. As the leader, it’s your job to keep the train on course, ensure everyone’s safety, and adapt to the new demands. But with everything evolving so quickly, how do you stay ahead of the curve?Welcome to the world of public ...

In the nonprofit sector, where resources are often limited and the stakes are high, capacity building is essential for sustainability and growth. It’s about more than just scaling up; it’s about ensuring your organization can effectively deliver on its mission, adapt to changing environments, and meet the increasing demands of the communities you serve. But building capacity doesn’t happen overnight—it requires strategic planning, clear communication, and a deep ...

Let’s paint a picture: You’re the captain of a ship, sailing smoothly on calm seas. Suddenly, a storm brews on the horizon. But instead of checking the weather forecast or preparing your crew, you decide to sit back, sip on your coffee, and wait to see what happens. After all, how bad could it really be? Spoiler alert: It’s pretty bad.Welcome aboard the S.S. Unprepared! Today, we’re taking a humorous yet painfully real journey into the perilous waters of what happens ...