CHANGE MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS

Navigating the Tides of Change

A Three-Part Journey to Transformation

In an ever-evolving world, change is the constant that defines the trajectory of organizations and individuals alike. Successfully navigating these turbulent waters requires not just an understanding of the “what” and “why” of change but also the “how.” Our three-part virtual series with Jerry Magar on leading change is designed to equip executives, managers, and individual contributors with the essential knowledge and tools needed to master the art of change leadership. Whether you’re at the top, in the middle, or on the front lines, this series will empower you to drive, support, and adapt to change effectively, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

This virtual series is included as a benefit for administrators, faculty, and staff at NACU institutions. This series is exclusive to NACU members and open to everyone on campus. There is no cost to participate.

PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED TO USE YOUR CAMPUS-BASED EMAIL TO REGISTER SO THAT WE CAN VERIFY YOU ARE ON FACULTY OR STAFF AT A NACU CAMPUS.

We encourage you to attend all three 75-minute virtual sessions as each will provide tools and insights that enhance your change leadership from any vantage point. Attendance is limited to 60 participants per session.

Session 1

From Vision to Action: A Change Leadership Roadmap

Friday, January 19, 2024

2-3:15 pm ET

Change is inevitable. Buy-in is not. Most leaders are excellent at driving adaptation to stay competitive. What they get right is what to change. What they often get wrong is implementing that change. Shifting the predictable resistance to change requires an understanding of psychological responses to it. To prevent negative consequences of well-intended change leadership, it’s important to first know why change fails. Then, successful leaders embed a transparent change culture that is applied at all levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn the steps involved in effectively implementing change, highlighting the significance of the often-overlooked “quiet phase” in cultivating alignment.
  • Recognize the value of past practices while simultaneously championing the necessity for a fresh and compelling future.
  • Identify the common pitfalls that can unintentionally undermine trust and credibility in top leadership during change initiatives.
  • Build a change message using a template that not only ignites commitment but also minimize resistance, fostering a smoother transition during times of change.

Session 2

Leading Change from the Middle: Strategies for Influence and Impact

Friday, February 23, 2024

2-3:15 pm ET

Change is not just a directive handed down from above; it’s a collaborative journey where managers play a pivotal role in driving success. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how to lead change from the middle with confidence and conviction. Gain the insights and strategies you need to become a true change catalyst, ensuring that your teams not only adapt but thrive in times of change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn a diagnostic tool to pinpoint where teams and individuals stand in the change process. Learn targeted strategies to facilitate smoother transitions.
  • Articulate the purpose and significance of change, generating buy-in and enthusiasm from your teams even when you’re not the author of the change itself.
  • Normalize the natural ebb and flow of productivity during change and apply strategies to maintain team effectiveness throughout the transition.
  • Learn to identify and minimized the predictable psychological reactions to change. 

Session 3

Navigating Change with Resilience: Unveiling the Human Side of Transformation

Friday, March 8, 2024

2-3:15 pm ET

Change is a constant in today’s dynamic world.  Understanding how humans react to change can empower you to navigate it with resilience and speed.

This session will equip you with valuable tools to not only comprehend your own reactions to change but also to develop effective strategies for navigating through unexpected shifts.

Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and interactive activities, you’ll gain insights into your personal change journey and uncover the strengths that lie within you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Explore the psychological phases individuals experience during change and understand how they apply to your own experiences.
  • Learn to identify where you are in the change process and discover strategies to manage each stage effectively.
  • Acquire techniques to navigate change that was not of your choosing, fostering a sense of control and empowerment.
  • Develop a toolkit of strategies to enhance your resilience and maintain productivity during times of change.

About Jerry Magar

As a founding partner of People Systems Consulting, Jerry brings over 25 years of experience to his work with clients such as Lockheed Martin, Dell Computer, JPMorgan Chase, Southwest Airlines, Shell Oil, Devon Energy, JC Penney, Sabre, and many more large and small clients. In addition to his work in North America, he has engaged extensively with clients in Europe, Asia, and South America.

His expertise spans various areas with a particular focus on change leadership, performance management, and leadership development.

Jerry serves as Academic Director for several award-winning leadership development programs with Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Executive Education. In addition, he is a faculty member for the George W. Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum. He works with leaders in Myanmar who are committed to bringing about a peaceful transition to democracy and civil society. Jerry has also taught top-rated MBA and undergraduate organizational development and change courses with SMU’s Cox School of Business. Read his full bio.