Change Management in the digital age is challenging as the digital realities are forcing companies to change more frequently and the transformations are more substantive and significant. In addition, the digital age has changed the way we live, work, network, learn, and unlearn. Hence, there is a need to think differently about change management in the digital age. The digital paradigm is about speed, agility, stakeholder experience, volatility, and visibility. These ideas and innovations should be a part of the change management program as well.
Historical, linear Change Management frameworks do not match the demands of business in the digital age. Next-generation Change Management must follow some new rules:
The digital revolution is far more significant than the invention of writing or even of printing.” – Douglas EngelbartÂ
Key Tenets and Differences in Change Management in the Digital Age:
Historically… |
 |
In the Digital Age |
| Change was top-down and driven by management. | Change is driven by all levels of an organization, with support from the bottom-up. | |
| The pace of change was slow and deliberate. | The pace of change is rapid and constant. | |
| Change activities occurred in a linear fashion. | Change activities can be done in parallel. | |
| Change programs often take a long period of time. | Change programs are often rapid with a focus on quick experimentation. | |
| Changes are often fully executed before testing for organizational fit. | Changes are tested constantly, with failures quickly abandoned and/or tweaked. | |
| Training is done from the top-down, with focus on classroom learning. | Training is done on many levels, including peer-to-peer and web-based learning. |
Historical, linear Change Management frameworks do not match the demands of business in the digital age. Next-generation Change Management must follow some new rules:
The critical success factors for change management in the digital age include the following:
- Buy-in for a shared vision
- Single person accountable for success of Change
- Support from Senior Leadership
- Active Stakeholder Engagement
- Effective and Tailored Communications
- Training and Coaching
- Robust, Useful Metrics
Let us know how the digital age has changed your approach to transformation change management? Please share your ideas.
___________________________________________________________________________
Change Management Offerings from our Partners:
Science of Successful Organizational Change
Managing your Team through Change
Financial Times Change Management Briefing
Fundamentals of Change Management
___________________________________________________________________________
Products Related to Changement Management:
-
Sale!
CRM Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$299.00 -
Sale!
Finance and Accounting Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$299.00 -
Sale!
Human Resources Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$399.00 -
Sale!
Marketing Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$299.00 -
Sale!
Project Management Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$299.00 -
Sale!
Supply Chain Transformation Change Management Plan
$149.00–$499.00$99.00–$299.00
Related Change Management Insights and Advice: