It's a cliche that change is constant. Yet many managers, advisors and teachers advocate strategies for managing change that focus on the defined period within which change occurs: the phase following an acquisition; a process redesign; the response to a competitive threat. Such efforts often fall far short of expectations. The core factors in successful change can't be created at short notice. Change comes much more readily to the organization with a clear mission and strategy; consistent and supportive leaders at every level; and employees who are informed, educated and involved. Those characteristics can't be built fast. Start now and don't let change take you by surprise.
Change is managed or driven through many workplace characteristics. These include the structure of the organization, its culture and sub-cultures, systems and processes (including rewards), and its people. Leadership and communication represent two of the most powerful levers for influencing these characteristics, and hence for managing change. The Northwest Leadership Forum develops leaders in the context of key organizational challenges -- including the management of change. Work to assess, understand and develop leadership skills and attributes takes place in a small group of peers, and against a background of current case experience in these core issues.
