How does this benefit you and those impacted by the change?
Putting intended actions into motion; coordinating people, timelines, and resources; communicating actions, expectations, and updates; monitoring progress against goals; adjusting tactics in response to feedback and risks; and reinforcing the new ways of working equip you to:
- Increase alignment by keeping everyone on the same page and providing clarity on goals and actions;
- Strengthen accountability through clear assignments and ownership of change activities;
- Reinforce employee confidence in their ability to adjust to the change
- Support effective decision-making by having a core project team that creates feedback loops, escalates issues, and helps identify solutions.
Simple practices for implementation:
- Keep it focused. Zero in on the specific objectives and repeat them often – in conversations, huddles, emails, and meetings.
- SMARTIE and simple. Set two-three SMARTIE (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable) goals. Track progress routinely using easy‑to‑check indicators (e.g., help requests, training completion, issues resolved, sentiment scores). Celebrate and mark progress.
- Work the flow, show the flow. Track tasks simply and transparently – on a whiteboard, flipchart, or sticky notes in a shared space. Show what’s in progress, what’s waiting, and what’s done. Update often in staff meetings.
- Check the core. Touch base with two-three people handling the most critical tasks. In a quick two‑minute chat, ask: “What’s working? What’s stuck? What’s next?” Use their feedback to support continuous improvement.
- Ask to unblock. Build feedback into conversations or at the end of any interactions by asking, “What’s making this task challenging and what can we do to address it?”
Helpful OCM resources for implementation:
California Department of Technology (CDT) provides OD-related reference materials and tools that can be customized to meet your specific needs. For more in-depth guidance, including one-on-one consulting, reach out directly to CDT by filling out their Contact Form. Their services encompass a broad range of topics, including Organizational Change Management (OCM), Technology Consulting, and Project Management.
- OCM Planning Process Phase Checklist Template – This checklist identifies the key OCM activities that are to be completed during the Planning Process Phase.
- OCM Schedule Template – This template provides a structure to document the OCM activities and tasks required during the current process phase required for the project. The OCM Practitioner coordinates closely with the Project Manager when developing the OCM Schedule. Though other tools to develop and manage the schedule may be available to the OCM Practitioner, this template may be useful to help gather information from multiple team members that may not have access or be familiar with other project schedule tools.
- Communication Management Plan Template – This document identifies project communication needs and expectations based on Stakeholder requirements. It describes how information will be communicated, when and where each communication will be made, and who is responsible for providing each type of communication.
- Training Plan Template – This serves as a guide for the OCM Practitioner in assessing, planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating end-user training. This document guides the entire training effort, from planning and development to delivery and execution.
- Leadership Support Action Log – This is a tool used to capture and organize tasks, resources, and timeframes for Leadership Support efforts.
- Project Sponsorship Action Register Template – This is a tool used to capture and organize actions, tasks, timeframes, and time commitments for the Project Sponsor’s efforts related to the project. The register should be completed and updated regularly to ensure is applicability to the project efforts.
- Communication Action Log Template – This is used to record all identified communication actions.
- Stakeholder Enrollment Action Log Template – This documentation allows the OCM Practitioner to track the actions in the Stakeholder Enrollment Knowledge Area.
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Contact CalHR’s Statewide Organizational Development Unit with any questions or feedback.
