Change Management defined

Change management is the set of processes, tools and practices that are used to manage the people side of a change. Change management is the bridge between "implementing a solution" and an organization ultimately realizing the benefits associated with the change. While change management is sometimes considered the 'soft' side of the project, research and numerous empirical examples show that effectively managing the human side of change is repeatable and systematic.

Change management requires two perspectives - an individual perspective (how people experience change) and an organizational perspective (how groups can be managed through a change). For individuals to make a change successfully - as characterized by Prosci's ADKAR model - they need an Awareness of the need for change, Desire to participate and support the change, Knowledge on how to change, the Ability to implement the required skills and behaviors, and Reinforcement to sustain the change.

Change management is the process of helping employees transition from the current state to the future state (as defined by the change) in a way that minimizes productivity loss, negative customer impact and employee turnover, while at the same time maximizes the speed of adoption and ultimate utilization of the change throughout the organization. Tools like communication, sponsorship and coaching are used to help employees make their own individual transition. Business results are only achieved when employees are involved and participating in the change. Change management is the final element of realizing change effectively.