Change Management: Shaping change effectively

Change projects very often fail because change is treated as a theoretical concept – rather than what it really is: a profound shift in behaviour across the entire organisation. Or, to put it more specifically: change rarely fails because of the strategy. It fails when it feels like an extra burden to managers – rather than something that is their own responsibility.

With our multi-award-winning change management approach, we design change in such a way that it truly becomes part of people’s everyday lives.
 

For an increasing number of companies, change is becoming a key challenge

The real question is not: How can we communicate the change more effectively?

The question is: How does change become a business reality for the people who are supposed to implement it?

 

After all, managers are not obstacles. They are people who are often already working to the limit – and who see change as yet another project piled on top.

 

What sets our approach apart?

We don’t start with the change narrative. We start with the day-to-day reality of your managers’ work.

 

In concrete terms, this means:

  • Concepts are tested with operational managers before roll-out – not simply communicated afterwards
  • Change initiatives are integrated into existing routines – not imposed as additional meetings
  • Responsibility is handed over to line management as quickly as possible – not retained within the programme
  • Impact is generated early on and in a measurable way – to create positive experiences before resistance arises

Let us understand your reality of change.

And, working together, identify the right starting points from this.

Dr. Florian Dressler
Dr. Florian Dressler
Partner

Das Formular wird gerade geladen, dies könnte wenige Sekunden dauern.

Every business, every change, every organisation is unique.

That is why we design bespoke change management solutions:

How we can support your change management
Change-Aufsatz

Wie stellen wir sicher, dass unser Change-Programm von Anfang an in der Realität der Organisation verankert ist – und nicht als Fremdkörper wahrgenommen wird?

  • Entwicklung des Org.-Zielbilds und der geplanten Geschäftsmaßnahmen
  • Strukturiertes Stakeholder-Mapping inkl. Change Impact Analyse
  • Ableiten benötigter Verhaltensänderungen je Zielgruppe
  • Auswahl der Change Bausteine (Architektur) entlang der Wheel of Change
  • Abstimmung Projektvorgehen und Aufplanung des Change Management Office

Mehr Information

Kontaktaufnahme

Change-Durchführung

Wie erzeugen wir möglichst früh spürbare Wirkung – ohne die Organisation zu überlasten?

  • Erarbeitung und Durchführung zielgruppenspezifischer Interventionen
  • Schnelles Pilotieren, Lernen und iterative Ausweitung
  • Train-the-Trainer Befähigung der internen Verantwortlichen

Kontaktaufnahme

Change Management Office (CMO)

Wie behalten wir den Überblick und steuern nach – ohne lähmende Bürokratie?

  • Zentrale Planung und Koordination aller Change-Maßnahmen
  • Stetiges Monitoring über Fortschritt und Wirkung (Change Barometer)
  • Steuerung des Change Netzwerks inkl. Berichterstattung an die Führungsebene

Mehr Informationen

Kontaktaufnahme

Organisatorische Change-Befähigung

Wie sorgen wir dafür, dass Veränderung nicht vom Programm abhängt, sondern dauerhaft in der Linie lebt?

  • Befähigung von Führungskräften als Change-Rollenmodelle
  • HRBP-Befähigung als strategische Tandempartner (SH*RP)
  • Change Agents Befähigung und Community-Aufbau

Kontaktaufnahme

“Change management influences behaviour through targeted interventions, enabling organisations to achieve their business change objectives in a sustainable manner.”

Our core beliefs for successful change

Successful change management ensures that new behaviours are not merely planned, but are actually embedded within the organisation. AI transformations, in particular, are not one-off implementation projects, but ongoing change initiatives. We support organisations in shaping AI-driven change – from governance to empowering the workforce. This requires targeted, effective interventions – at both the individual and structural levels. Change is not just about strategy – it is about taking action.

 

Six principles that make change sustainable:

Iteration, rapid trial and error, and consistent learning are not the exception – they are the method.

Ownership does not arise through communication – but through early involvement and the rapid experience of making a difference.

Change is not a separate project. Anything that feels like a foreign element will be treated as such.

Managers are the driving force – not the obstacles. Anyone who treats them as the latter has failed to understand the problem.

Change must not feel like an extra burden – it must fit into day-to-day operations, not stand apart from them.

Change requires two levels. Change only happens when individual behaviour and structural conditions work together.

Our approach: The Wheel of Change

Our consultancy approach centres on one principle: change can only be achieved through active engagement. New behaviours do not arise from mere declarations of intent, but through practice and repetition.

Five facets of the Wheel of Change:

  1. Understanding (Why should we change?)
    Objective: To explain to those affected why change is necessary in a way that makes sense to them both rationally and emotionally.
  2. Belief (Will the change really happen?)
    Aim: To build trust in the process.
  3. Are we allowed to? (Do we have the scope to make changes?)
    Aim: To create time and space.
  4. Ability (Do they have the right skills?)
    Objective: To provide targeted skills development.
  5. Desire (What motivates the change?)
    Objective: To create internal and external incentives.

Ready for real change?

Do you have a specific need for change, or would you like to prepare your organisation for future changes? If so, let’s have a chat.

Our change experts provide you with personalised, practical support:

Sebastian Roltsch
Sebastian Roltsch
Associate Principal

Das Formular wird gerade geladen, dies könnte wenige Sekunden dauern.

Marvin Toulon
Marvin Toulon
Associate Principal

Das Formular wird gerade geladen, dies könnte wenige Sekunden dauern.

Further insights on this topic

Communication as the key to change management

Effective communication in change management is crucial to success. Find out how the CMO acts as the nerve centre, guiding the change process.

Full article

How to Make Organisational Development a Success: A Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

Every organisation is unique, and every organisational development project faces different challenges. Here are some tips.

Full article

Corporate restructuring: objectives, approach, examples

What is a mission statement? What elements does it typically include? And how can a mission statement be successfully developed and implemented?

Full article

Successfully implementing change within the organisation

Far-reaching changes within organisations are often complex and affect many aspects of the organisation. To successfully implement such planned changes, it is crucial to involve the entire organisation and to clearly define what is to be achieved. The employees affected play a central role in this. It is important that they are not only informed about the upcoming changes through change management, but are also actively involved in the process of corporate restructuring. This fosters understanding and acceptance of the change and enables employees to identify with the intended objectives and to commit to achieving them.

Successful implementation requires clear objectives and open communication. Every step of the change process should be transparent so that all those involved can track progress and adapt accordingly. Open channels of communication help to address employees’ concerns and suggestions and incorporate them into the change process. This fosters employees’ commitment and motivation to actively work towards implementing the changes.

It is essential that the entire organisation – from senior management right down to individual team members – works together on the planned changes. Every single person in the company should understand how the changes will affect them and how they can contribute to achieving the shared goals. This is the only way to ensure that the changes are not only implemented but also firmly embedded in the corporate culture.

Change management models

In change management, there are various models that help to successfully manage organisational change. Each model offers a unique approach to achieving the desired objectives. Here are the three best-known change management models that have proven their worth in practice:

ADKAR model

This model focuses on the individual level and comprises five key areas:

  • Awareness: An understanding of the need for change
  • Desire: Personal motivation to participate in change
  • Knowledge: Knowing how to implement the change
  • Ability: The ability to carry out the change
  • Reinforcement: Measures to ensure the change is sustainable

Lewin’s model of change

This classic model divides the process into three phases:

  • Unfreeze: This is where the need for change is recognised and communicated. The aim is to break down old ways of thinking and create a willingness to change.
  • Change: In this phase, new processes, ideas and behaviours are introduced. This is the time when the actual transformation takes place.
  • Refreeze: The aim of this phase is to stabilise the new approaches and embed them in the organisational culture.

Kotters’ 8-step model

Kotter developed eight steps for effectively managing change:

  • Create a sense of urgency: The aim is to generate a sense of urgency for change.
  • Form a leadership coalition: Key individuals within the organisation are brought together to support the change.
  • Develop a vision and strategy: A clear vision for the future and the necessary strategy are drawn up.
  • Communicate the vision: The vision must be communicated effectively to all stakeholders.
  • Remove obstacles: Resistance to change is identified and overcome.
  • Secure short-term successes: Small but visible successes are achieved and celebrated at an early stage.
  • Consolidate successes and initiate further changes: Building on the initial successes, further changes are initiated.
  • Embed new approaches in the culture: The change is firmly embedded in the corporate culture.

Influence model

The Influence Model focuses on psychological and cultural factors. The approach is to create an environment and general support for change through four primary levers. The key point is that successful change is based on people’s intrinsic motivation, which can be fostered through targeted mechanisms.

  • Role models: People tend to adapt their behaviour to that of their peer group
  • Understanding and conviction: People seek consistency between their actions and their beliefs
  • Skills development: Lifelong learning is made possible through the right support
  • Alignment with formal factors: People seek consistency between their actions and their beliefs

Veränderungsmanagement braucht Zeit

Change Management ist kein Sprint, sondern ein Marathon. Eine sorgfältige Planung und eine klare Kommunikation sind unerlässlich, aber sie benötigen Zeit. Es ist wichtig, jedem Schritt des Prozesses genügend Raum zu geben, um sicherzustellen, dass die Veränderungen effektiv implementiert und von allen Beteiligten angenommen werden. Schnelle Lösungen können zu unvollständigen Ergebnissen oder gar zum Scheitern des Wandels führen.

Wenn Führungskräfte den Wandel verhindern

Ein kritischer Faktor, der den Erfolg von Change Management beeinflussen kann, ist die Haltung der Führungskräfte. Führungskräfte müssen nicht nur die Vision und Strategie entwickeln und kommunizieren, sondern auch als Vorbilder für den Wandel agieren. Wenn sie jedoch Widerstand leisten oder die notwendigen Veränderungen nicht vollständig unterstützen, kann dies den gesamten Prozess des organisatorischen Wandels behindern. Effektive Kommunikation und das Setzen von konkreten Zielen sind entscheidend, um Führungskräfte für den Wandel zu gewinnen und sie zu motivieren, die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Change Managements zu fördern.
 

Change management is project management

In today’s rapidly changing world, constant change is inevitable. ‘New Work’ represents the evolution of the world of work, manifested in trends such as remote working and the four-day week. At the same time, global developments such as digitalisation and the interdependence of world trade present companies with multifaceted challenges: processes are becoming more complex, and industries more dynamic.

In this context, change management is not only relevant but crucial for companies to adapt and thrive. The concept of the VUCA world – an acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity – reflects precisely these challenges. Through effective change management, companies can not only maintain high levels of turnover but also grow and develop sustainably.

Implementing change management is a complex undertaking that requires clear planning and an effective strategy. It is a form of project management that takes into account both short-term objectives and the long-term vision. Here are some key aspects of how change management can be successfully implemented:

  • Involving affected staff: It is crucial to actively involve staff affected by the change in the process. This not only fosters acceptance of the upcoming changes, but also makes use of their valuable feedback and knowledge.
  • Clearly communicating the impact of changes: Open and honest communication about the impact of the changes – both the positive and potentially negative consequences – is crucial to success.
  • Taking social changes into account: When it comes to corporate restructuring, change management takes into account not only the technical and organisational aspects, but also the social changes within an organisation.
  • Setting short-term goals and highlighting successes: By setting and achieving short-term goals, quick wins can be achieved, which strengthen confidence in the process and support long-term success.
  • Implementing comprehensive changes systematically: A systematic approach is essential for successfully implementing comprehensive changes within organisations.

In this challenging task, undconsorten, an experienced and award-winning management consultancy, is here to support you. We assist you in managing change processes, provide key information and resources, and help you successfully implement your change management initiatives. Our experts work closely with your teams to ensure that all aspects of the change are taken into account and that staff are supported every step of the way.

Change Management FAQ – everything you need to know at a glance

Who needs change management?
Why is change management so difficult?
How can I prevent my change project from failing?
An example of change management
Who needs change management?
How do I go about launching a transformation project properly?
How can we identify resistance to change at an early stage?
How can we engage staff without overburdening the organisation with additional formats?
How can we deal constructively with resistance to change?
How can we turn managers into active agents of change?
How can change management be successfully implemented in medium-sized companies?

Please get in touch with us.

Do you have any questions, or are you interested in exploring the possibility of working with undconsorten? Please get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.

T +49 (0) 30 88 92 94-0
E office@undconsorten.de

Dr. Axel Sauder
Dr. Axel Sauder
Partner

Das Formular wird gerade geladen, dies könnte wenige Sekunden dauern.

Related topics and services

Change Barometer

Das Change Barometer bietet Ihnen eine präzise, datengestützte Lösung – um den Fortschritt Ihrer Veränderungsinitiativen kontinuierlich zu messen, die Stimmung Ihrer Mitarbeitenden zu erfassen und gezielt zu steuern.

Mehr zum Thema

Agile Consulting

Die Agilisierungswelle hat in den letzten Jahren fast alle Unternehmen erfasst – teilweise aber nur Post-Its und Kanban-Boards angespült.

Mehr zum Thema

Insights on this topic

How to make the transformation work?
How to make the transformation work?

How can agile transformation succeed? Together with NewRe, we discussed this with managers and experts from various areas (innovation, HR, IT, operations, strategy and transformation) at an aperitif in Zurich shortly before the lockdowns caused by COVID-19.

Agile leadership: the most common pitfalls and best tips
Agile leadership: the most common pitfalls and best tips

In this article, we share our perspective on agile leadership and take a look at the three crucial components of mindset, processes and roles. We also clear up common misconceptions and give tips on how you and your team can work successfully in an agile way.

Making transformation child's play
Making transformation child's play

When employees ask seemingly trivial questions, it shows a genuine interest in change. The confidence to ask these questions speaks in favour of a culture of openness, which should definitely be encouraged.

Transformation - not without HR!
Transformation - not without HR!

HR is increasingly becoming a central player in transformation processes. It is no longer just about efficiency and professional HR work, but about making a strategic contribution to the transformation of the organisation.

Das Formular wird gerade geladen, dies könnte wenige Sekunden dauern.