Leadership & Management

Change Management: Planning and Leading Organisational Change

This course equips professionals with the skills to effectively plan and lead organisational change initiatives. Participants will explore change management theories, frameworks, and practical tools to navigate transitions, engage stakeholders, and sustain change efforts within their organisations.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Organisations frequently face the challenge of implementing change, whether due to market demands, technological advancements, or internal restructuring.

These changes can lead to resistance, confusion, and decreased morale if not managed effectively. Professionals must understand how to identify the need for change, assess its impact, and communicate effectively to ensure a smooth transition. This course addresses these challenges by providing participants with the necessary skills to analyse organisational readiness, create actionable plans, and engage stakeholders throughout the change process, ultimately fostering a culture that embraces change rather than resists it.

By mastering these skills, participants will be better equipped to lead their teams through complex transformations and achieve desired outcomes.

Participants will develop practical capabilities to lead change initiatives, including stakeholder analysis, communication strategies, and change impact assessments. By engaging in real-world scenarios, they will practice designing change plans, facilitating workshops, and addressing resistance.

This hands-on approach ensures that participants can apply what they learn directly to their organisations, enhancing their ability to lead successful change efforts. The course prepares professionals to make informed decisions, manage complex dynamics, and sustain momentum in change initiatives, equipping them with the tools to navigate the intricacies of organisational change effectively.

Participants will leave with actionable insights that can be immediately applied to their organisational contexts.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Change plans that overlook people and stakeholder concerns.
Inconsistent communication and resistance to new ways of working.
Difficulty embedding and evaluating organisational change.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussions to foster a deep understanding of change management principles. Participants will engage in role-playing exercises to simulate stakeholder interactions and practice communication strategies.

Each day culminates in a practical application where participants produce change management plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and resistance management frameworks.

These tangible outputs provide participants with the tools necessary to implement change initiatives effectively in their workplaces, ensuring they leave with actionable insights and strategies that can be immediately applied to their organisational contexts.

This approach promotes collaborative learning and reinforces the application of theoretical concepts in practical scenarios.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse organisational readiness for change using diagnostic tools and frameworks.
Design a comprehensive change management plan addressing key stakeholders and objectives.
Assess the impact of change on organisational culture and employee engagement metrics.
Justify communication strategies tailored to diverse stakeholder groups and their needs.
Construct a resistance management framework to address potential challenges and concerns.
Evaluate the effectiveness of change initiatives through feedback mechanisms and performance indicators.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Change Managers responsible for leading transformation initiatives and ensuring successful outcomes.
HR Professionals involved in organisational development and change management processes.
Project Managers overseeing change-related projects and team dynamics.
Team Leaders tasked with implementing new processes or systems and managing team transitions.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conducting change impact assessments to inform strategy and decision-making.
Engaging stakeholders through effective communication techniques and feedback loops.
Facilitating workshops to gather input, build consensus, and foster collaboration.
Developing strategies to manage resistance to change and enhance buy-in.
Evaluating the success of change initiatives through metrics and continuous improvement.
Creating actionable plans for sustaining change efforts and embedding new practices.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Change Management Frameworks

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional case study of an organisational change initiative, identifying key factors that contributed to its success or failure. They will work in groups to discuss their findings and propose alternative strategies for improvement, focusing on leadership roles and stakeholder engagement.

Output: A group presentation summarising the analysis and proposed strategies for effective change management.

09:00–09:54Define change management and its critical importance in organisational success.
09:54–10:48Explore key change management theories, models, and their practical applications.
10:48–11:00Identify the stages of the change process and the roles of various stakeholders.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify the stages of the change process and the roles of various stakeholders. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of leadership in driving and supporting change initiatives.
13:06–14:00Examine case studies of successful and failed change initiatives to derive lessons.

Day 2Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a stakeholder analysis for a fictional change initiative, identifying key stakeholders, their potential reactions, and strategies for engagement. They will develop a communication plan to effectively engage these stakeholders throughout the change process, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

Output: A stakeholder engagement plan that includes tailored communication strategies and feedback mechanisms.

09:00–09:54Identify and map stakeholders impacted by change initiatives and their influence.
09:54–10:48Assess stakeholder attitudes, readiness for change, and potential resistance.
10:48–11:00Develop strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication. (continued)
12:12–13:06Create communication plans tailored to different stakeholder groups and their concerns.
13:06–14:00Explore tools for gathering stakeholder feedback and measuring engagement effectiveness.

Day 3Designing and Implementing Change Plans

Applied activity: Working in teams, participants will design a change management plan for a fictional organisational change, detailing objectives, timelines, resources needed for implementation, and strategies for overcoming potential obstacles. They will present their plans to the group for feedback.

Output: A comprehensive change management plan document that outlines the approach and expected outcomes.

09:00–09:54Outline the components of a comprehensive change management plan and its objectives.
09:54–10:48Develop objectives and key performance indicators for measuring change success.
10:48–11:00Create an implementation timeline, resource allocation plan, and risk management strategies.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Create an implementation timeline, resource allocation plan, and risk management strategies. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss methods for training and supporting employees during change initiatives.
13:06–14:00Explore techniques for monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting change plans as needed.

Day 4Managing Resistance to Change

Applied activity: Participants will role-play a scenario where they must address resistance from employees during a change initiative. They will practice communication techniques and strategies to alleviate concerns and gain buy-in from stakeholders, focusing on empathy and active listening.

Output: A resistance management framework outlining strategies, techniques, and anticipated challenges.

09:00–09:54Identify common sources of resistance to change and their underlying causes.
09:54–10:48Explore psychological aspects of change and typical employee reactions.
10:48–11:00Develop strategies to address and mitigate resistance effectively during transitions.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop strategies to address and mitigate resistance effectively during transitions. (continued)
12:12–13:06Role-play scenarios to practice resistance management techniques and communication strategies.
13:06–14:00Evaluate the effectiveness of resistance management strategies and adapt as necessary.

Day 5Evaluating Change and Sustaining Momentum

Applied activity: Participants will develop an evaluation plan for a fictional change initiative, including metrics for success, strategies for collecting feedback, and recommendations for sustaining change. They will present their plans to the group for discussion and refinement, ensuring practical applicability.

Output: An evaluation and sustainability plan for the change initiative that outlines success metrics and feedback strategies.

09:00–09:54Establish metrics for evaluating the success of change initiatives and their impact.
09:54–10:48Discuss methods for collecting feedback post-implementation to inform future changes.
10:48–11:00Explore strategies for sustaining change over time and embedding new practices.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore strategies for sustaining change over time and embedding new practices. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identify lessons learned and best practices for future change initiatives.
13:06–14:00Create a culture of continuous improvement in change management practices.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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