Change management is a structured approach to change in individuals, teams, organizations and societies that enables the transition from a current state to a desired future state. The change referred to in this context includes a broad array of topics. From an individual perspective, the change may be a new behavior. From a business perspective, the change may be a new business process or new technology.

From a societal perspective, the change may be a new public policy or the passing of new legislation. In each of these cases, there is the recognition that successful change requires more than a new process, technology or public policy. Successful change requires the engagement and participation of the people involved. Change management provides a framework for managing the people side of these changes. The most recent research points to a combination of organizational change management tools and individual change management models for effective change to take place.

Change management follows 5 basic building blocks:

• Awareness - of why the change is needed
• Desire - to support and participate in the change
• Knowledge - of how to change
• Ability - to implement new skills and behaviours
• Reinforcement - to sustain the change

With any change comes some pain.  This can be significantly reduced with adequate planning and foresight.  At SNSMC we have experienced change agents, that can guide your organization through the minefield to emerge safely on the other side.