Are you currently working on a transformational change? Maybe you are you going through an organizational re-design or implementing new technology. It could be a Shared Services implementation or a Lean Process Improvement. If you are involved in any strategic change where people will need to do things differently, you are likely starting to think about how you are going to build capacity.
Change Management Training is a critical piece of this process. However, as experts in the field, we often tell our clients they need to re-frame their thinking from “training” to “capability building.” This simple mind shift allows you to develop change “bench-strength” across the key players who have accountability for implementation. It also allows you to begin to build a critical mass of skilled practitioners who can then be deployed on future projects. Thus, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful implementations on your current project as well as future implementations.
2 Options for Building Change Agent Capacity
One of the most important steps in building change capacity is to train the local Change Agents in the methodology principles, tactics, strategies and tools you plan to use. This creates a consistent, best practice approach to implementation at the local level. Consistency increases efficiency, and makes best use of scarce resources. With this goal in mind, IMA offers two sessions for Change Agents:
Introduction to the Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM)
This 2-day session is designed for Change Agents to become familiar with the vocabulary and principles of the AIM methodology. Participants receive a detailed assessment of their organization's Implementation History in order to pinpoint inhibitors and identify leverage points to accelerate implementation of actual projects they are assigned to. An emphasis is also placed on:
Obviously, your Change Agents won’t have all the skills needed after just 2 days of awareness-building. So, if you want to continue to build internal change capability, a core group of internal experts should attend an AIM Accreditation session.
AIM Accreditation
The 4-day Accreditation provides a deep-dive, hands-on application experience where Change Agents learn how to:
Accredited Change Agents then become “super-users,” providing change “bench-strength” on real-world projects. This is especially helpful in global organizations with far-flung Change Agents who will have to provide coaching and support to local project teams.
What to Look for in a Training Session
Of course, these are just two of the many Change Management Training options that are available in today’s business marketplace. Below we’ve listed 5 best in class traits that you should look for in any training program:
It is also helpful to select options that offer continuing education units to Project Managers who are PMPs, and QEP hours through the Association of Change Management Professionals for individuals seeking the brand new change management certification the Association offers (yes, we do that!)
As you evaluate certification options, remember the goal is not about making people feel better about your project, or convincing them of the logic of your change. Rather, the object of the game is to have greater ability to implement changes in your organization. Or like we said... to build capacity.