DEIJ Introduction Series: Reframing Change Management
In the workplace, change can engender a variety of emotions. Fear, excitement, apathy, anxiety. The disruption of routine, even when moving toward positive change, is challenging. While each person manages change in their own ways, it can be reassuring to work for an organization where change is anticipated, welcomed, and well-managed.
Business approaches offer structured, step-by-step processes. These are helpful but will require integration or re-working to center equity and justice.
While the McKinsey 7S Model is oriented around organizational culture and effectiveness, it can be applied to change management. This kind of model might be used as a precursor to a change or a way to envision how change will ripple through an organization. McKinsey 7S Model - Overview, Structure and Application, Example (corporatefinanceinstitute.com)
Similar to the McKinsey 7S Model, the STAR Model offers an interconnected approach to change and organizational management. One helpful aspect of this model is the “processes” component, specifically thinking about how information flows in an organization. This is critical in change management so information flows intentionally to each person and group. How To Implement the Star Model Into Your Business Goals | Indeed.com
Outside of business approaches, change takes more forms. It might be called transformation or liberation. Something required and something iterative for everyone involved in change-making. Lessons around this kind of change lean into grassroots organizing and more emergent processes.
The work of adrienne maree brown and the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, invites us all to create more equitable and just approaches to change. Change in this space is sustained by “[moving] at the speed of trust” and allows for nonlinearity. This kind of process can be more inclusive and attentive to the needs of each person involved. About – Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute (esii.org)
There is something to be learned from each kind of change management. At Equity Labs we work to center our people in any change process, ensuring there is room for meaningful dialogue and ideation.