Change Management for Leaders: Preparing for an Unknown Future

Learn strategies to lead your team through change and overcome resistance. Build coaching skills, apply structured tools, and foster team resilience.

This one-day workshop prepares managers or supervisors for changes that they and their employees may be facing in the workplace. Participants will explore reactions to change and the stages of change that can be experienced. The focus will be on how to coach employees to successfully weather change. This includes a discussion of the six steps to prepare for change as well as other actions that can be taken. Participants will leave this course prepared to help themselves and their employees experience, accept, and thrive in a changing environment.

Target Audience

This workshop is ideal for managers and supervisors who are preparing to navigate changes in the workplace alongside their teams. It is particularly beneficial for those who want to effectively coach their employees through the stages of change. Participants will explore reactions to change, learn the six steps to prepare for change, and discuss additional actions to support their teams.

What You'll Learn at a Glance

• Coach employees through the stages of change. 
• Develop tools for preparing employees for change.
• Empower others to apply strengths to change situations.
• Utilize the six steps to prepare for change going forward.
• Strengthen relationships with employees.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Course Introduction

• Welcome and introductions of participants and instructor
• Overview of course agenda and objectives
• Team presentations and class engagement expectations

Module 2: Understanding Change and Resistance

• Recognize natural reactions to organizational change
• Explore common roots of resistance to change
• Debrief initial team-based change exercise

Module 3: Stages and Impacts of Change

• Identify the five stages of change
• Use questionnaires to explore past and future change scenarios
• Share and analyze team responses and patterns

Module 4: Coaching Employees Through Change

• Apply effective communication and empathetic listening strategies
• Model positive behaviors to encourage adaptation
• Use change coaching tools to support employees

Module 5: Six Steps to Prepare for Change

• Step 1: Consider past change experiences and lessons learned
• Step 2: Understand the reasons behind the change
• Step 3: Assess implications of change for yourself and others
• Step 4: Identify and leverage personal and team strengths
• Step 5: Learn from others who have navigated change
• Step 6: Focus on cultivating a resilient mindset

Module 6: Application and Reflection

• Summarize course insights and personal growth
• Reflect on applying tools and strategies in real work settings
• Prepare action items for managing future change effectively