Is the next evolution of Change Management better integration with Project Management?

Better integration with Project Management is seen as the next big step in the evolution of Change Management.

Where major projects are concerned, experience dictates that change management needs to be clearly articulated at the outset to maximise success and ensure a smooth transition to the new mode of operation, rather than added in as an afterthought or at a secondary stage.

I recently came across a question raised by US consultant and author, Thomas Luke Jarocki in a LinkedIn group we share in which he asked, “The Next Evolution of Change Management… better integration with project management?” In many quarters of Change Management, better integration with Project Management is seen as the next big step in its evolution as it directly impacts people and process, forcing broad cultural change. However the real question should be, for what purpose?

Typically in a change project, the volume of work and investment is focused on the process management of change and the compartmental changes. This results in the sustainability and ROI of change falling short of expectation and may even deteriorate further over time.

By integrating a methodology at the inception of a project which focuses on the people and leadership during change, we can often change the priority and execution of project activities, which places greater emphasis on project and leadership alignment upfront and during a project.

Time and time again, large corporations invest significant funds into major projects (especially IT in recent history) only to find they have a dud on their hands. In my experience, this can be most often traced back to a lack of appropriate change management leadership integrated into the project plan from the outset, rather than a poor buying decision.

So, rather than thinking of change management as something that you deal with later on in the project management life cycle, I recommend you start to integrate it into your project plan right from the outset. The key outcome for your organisation will be an engaged workforce actively working together to create and implement change throughout the whole business, with employees at every level sharing the responsibility of improving customer service, efficiency and profitability.

Timothy Tucker
Associate Consultant

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