Next Level Change Success

When organisations are seeking to improve performance, rather than just seeking new innovations, they should review their people aspects. After all ideas, systems and how they are adopted and general efficiencies often relate to how leaders and their teams are performing. Often, poor performance can also lead to more siloed behaviours and less than ideal behaviours creeping in under pressure. Have...

In this episode we cover how January is a month where you can set yourself up for success in 2025. There is often more time in most organisations to plan and reflect and improve your teams rhythms to embody reflection and improve performance. By setting in time to reflect and learn, you will then have time you can use to change course if you need to, if or when change comes in from left field. So...

Every year in January it is an ideal time to reflect on how you approached and dealt with change the year before and consider how you might want to change some habits this year. If you have read Atomic Habits by James clear you will know that just choosing some small habits to introduce or even replace can result in big shifts for you. Considering one of the major change themes every year is about...

Welcome to Season 4 and there are many new things happening at My Virtual Change Manager in 2025. Today though we cover anticipated themes in the change landscape this year: * Economic pressures and changes as a result  * Artificial Intelligence and organisations figuring out where AI fits into their strategy and whether they are ready * Leadership and the ever increasing pressure on leadersh...

In this Episode we are reflecting on the year that was in 2024. How are you feeling now that the year is coming to a close? How are your people feeling? Have you captured lessons from this year? One of the best things you can do is conduct some reflection sessions and celebrate the successes and lessons learned this year. We cover some of the lessons and discuss what may be themes in 2025.  ...

What are the signs of too much change taking place in an organisation? What do you do when you see these signs? This is what we cover today. If you are observing conflict, burnout, delays in programs or projects, then these can be symptoms of simply trying to change too much. There are a lot of things you can do if this is the case. Ensure all projects are visible Reprioritise if a subject matter...

In this Episode of Next Level Change Success we cover off strategies to ride the emotional roller coaster as a result of change taking place. When there is such an emotive reaction to a change the response can delay progress if not handled well and can even de-rail a project or program. Following are some of the tactics we talk about: Leadership presence Creating the space for discussion and decom...

There is a saying 'Feel the fear and do it anyway', and this is also the case for Change. Fear can be a very real emotion which arises, and in fact if there isn't an emotional response at some stage of the change process it may be that those who are impacted don't quite understand it. So what can you do to support those who feel the fear? Also are you aware that the change practitioner themselves...

Today we talk about the subtle aspects of change. Have you heard of the butterfly effect? This is the belief that everything is connected. As you develop your change intelligence within the organisation you will notice how much change is always taking place. You will also become aware that many smaller changes will amount to a transformation.  Reference articles: The Change Ecosystem Next Lev...

When commencing a Transformation Program there are some common mistakes which are made. Over the years, these mistakes have resulted in false starts and rework needing to be undertaken which wastes time and money. The most common mistakes are: 1) Leadership alignment 2) Resourcing 3) Business as usual misalignment 4) Programs of work are not revisited 5) Strategic decisions are scrambled and not h...

In the world of change there is a need for consistency. 'From little things, big things grow' and that is true when there is a transformation taking place. When working on a change transformation program is taking place it is often over a number of years. It can be after many smaller 'go lives' and many smaller changes add up to a transformed organisation which will not revert due to the change be...

So how do you know if your change is going to hit the mark? Many times there are too many assumptions made and not enough questions being asked as change develops.  In this episode we explore the best questions to ask, if you are a change sponsor, a stakeholder and even if you are change practitioner. Some of them cover how engaged leaders are, whether those who are impacted have a seat that...

If you are lucky you work in a program or project team which clicks and everyone understands each others role and in moments where there is confusion, communication is strong enough that agreements are quickly made, and a 'can do' attitude prevails. However sometimes you may not be so lucky. There are some typical reasons for tension which is created between a project manager and a change practiti...

In this Episode of Next Level Change Success we cover the key areas in any change program which can either see change take place at speed, or slow it down: 1) Vision setting 2) Leadership engagement 3) Sponsorship and decision making 4) The right support for the most impacted teams 5) Clear timelines 6) Clear roles and responsibilities 7) The right resource mix in your change or program team. Like...

Over the many years of experience there is one reason which makes sense to invest in and develop change skills and introduce a change framework into your organisation - EFFICIENCY. If your organisation is investing money in projects, and is on a path of continuous improvement across its business areas, then the complimentary investing in change skills and ensuring the health of your change ecosyst...

There are four key phases in a change process as it relates to projects. It is important to note that the phases do not correlate to time, which means you could move fast through these phases, or slowly depending on the pace of your change. Planning: The intention in this phase is clarity. There are some key questions to ask in this phase. In this phase you also identify key stakeholders. Assess a...

We cover how you can change fast in your organisation, in your area or in your team. Here are some keys to being able to change fast: Leaders who are engaged and have developed the right capabilities will be fundamental to change agility. Being explicit about having the right mindset: This is more than a growth mindset. Being open minded and open to constant change and improvement is a mindset to...

Wow this is the 50th Episode of Next Level Change Success, across three seasons and we are looking forward to continuing to talk about all things change related. Today we are talking about the real elements of change that matter. These include: The ecosystem elements in your organisation that can help or hinder change The employees: Engagement levels, are they at the level they should be? The skil...

In today's episode we talk about Policy and Process changes. What make them unique and some of the areas in which people deal with them well or not. When policy changes are made they are often signed off by Board's or Governing bodies and then the question is asked - 'how are we implementing this?'. We are talking about this today. Where do you start and what do you need to consider when creating...

In the Episode we cover the pro's and con's regarding change accreditations. If you are currently on the fence about whether you should seek a formal accreditation or not this may help you with that decision. Based on my experience the balance between gaining change exposure and experience is just as important as gaining the accreditation itself so you can immerse yourself and completely understan...

In this Episode of Next Level Change Success we interview Sarah Robertson of Robertson Consulting who talks about the intersection between Strategy and Change. Often times when rolling out transformational change, having a strategy to link it, can support its success. Sarah talks about the challenges that leaders face, the questions they should ask themselves and provides actions you can take, as...

Today's episode is a sombre one. Over the weekend in Sydney, there was a tragic scene of senseless violence at Bondi Junction. It had me consider what was relevant to talk about today. When change is introduced in organisations, emotional responses can range from passive through to extreme's. More often than not, these extreme reactions are due to a myriad of reasons, some being a trauma response....

In this Episode of Next Level Change Success we talk about digital transformations. There are a number of pitfalls that many fall into.  We cover the need to: 1) Be clear on the intent with the introduction of the new technology through Executive discussions and planning 2) Match the technology to the culture of your organisation 3) Involve those who are impacted with the design 4) Consider o...

In this episode we deep dive into Human Resources changes, change of operating model. There is no more impactful change to a person than a HR change. There are some common pitfalls and mis-steps. What are the the ways in which you can make sure that you are treating people fairly, effectively and  - Communications and how fear can drive non-communication - The importance of understanding the...

In this Episode we step into the shoes of a leader - mostly a middle manager who is leading change. What are the typical challenges that a leader faces and how can they lean into them? Leaders are facing more responsibilities than ever and expected to know how to lead change, sponsor programs and create high performing teams. Easy - yeah right! But what are some of the things you can do, if you fi...