The importance of change management cannot be overstated. In today’s fast-paced environment, organizations – including higher education institutions - frequently undergo transformations, for example through strategic initiatives, launch of new programs, capital projects, technology implementations, reorganizations, operational and process improvements, or cultural shifts.  Without effective change management, such initiatives are more likely to encounter resistance, resulting in low adoption of the change, reduced employee morale and productivity, and ultimately, project failure.

By prioritizing change management, we can mitigate resistance and enhance engagement and adoption by all stakeholders, whether faculty, staff, or students.  Effective change management creates a supportive framework which:

• enables individuals to adapt to and adopt new ways of working
• fosters a culture of engagement and collaboration
• supports innovation, and
• aligns efforts and success with organizational goals. 

This proactive approach not only increases the likelihood of achieving project objectives but also ensures that changes are sustainable over the long term, driving overall success and resilience in a constantly evolving landscape.

What is Change Management?

Change Management, as defined by Prosci, is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. It involves preparing, supporting, and helping employees navigate the change process, ensuring that changes are implemented smoothly and effectively. 

Introducing Prosci®

Here at Tulane, we have chosen Prosci® as our change management methodology.

Change Management, as defined by Prosci, is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. It involves preparing, supporting, and helping employees navigate the change process, ensuring that changes are implemented smoothly and effectively. 

Prosci is widely seen as the “gold standard” in organizational change, with over 25 years of research in the field, over 100,000 people certified and trained, and with presence in 80% of Fortune 100 companies.  With the higher education sector experiencing major transformative forces, universities and colleges are increasingly adopting this methodology as well. 

ADKAR

The powerful Prosci methodology offers many tools to succeed in supporting individuals – and the organization - through the change journey. Underpinning all these tools is Prosci’s concept of ADKAR which highlights five key stages of change:

• Awareness of the need for change
• Desire to support the change
• Knowledge of how to change
• Ability to implement required skills and behaviors
• Reinforcement to sustain the change.

Who can benefit?

Prosci also offers insights and a range of practical tools to support all who help change happen in organizations, including:

• Project sponsors
• Project managers and project teams
• People leaders
• Employees going through change

The Office of Project Management and Strategic Consulting will be offering official Prosci training here at Tulane, run by certified trainers.  Check back soon for details.

In the interim, if you want to learn more and/or are interesting in Prosci training we’re here to help!