Introduction:

Change is an inevitable part of any organization, especially in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving business environment. For administrative staff, managing and adapting to change is crucial for maintaining smooth operations, ensuring team cohesion, and driving the success of organizational initiatives. This 5-day training course will equip administrative professionals with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to navigate and manage change effectively. By fostering resilience and building strong communication and problem-solving skills, participants will be better prepared to contribute to successful change management processes.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the principles and importance of change management in administrative roles.
2. Identify the different types of organizational change and how they affect administrative staff.
3. Develop strategies to manage personal and team responses to change.
4. Communicate effectively during times of change to ensure transparency and understanding.
5. Use change management tools and techniques (e.g., ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model) to guide change initiatives.
6. Foster resilience and adaptability within their teams to embrace change proactively.
7. Support leadership in implementing organizational changes with minimal disruption.
8. Track the effectiveness of change management strategies and adjust as needed.
9. Promote a positive culture of continuous improvement within the workplace.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Administrative assistants, office managers, and administrative coordinators.
• Executive assistants and team leaders who support organizational change initiatives.
• HR professionals and change management specialists supporting administrative staff.
• Office staff looking to build resilience and manage organizational change effectively.
• Anyone in a support role who wants to improve their ability to manage and adapt to change in a dynamic environment.

Day 1: Understanding Change Management and Its Importance

Morning Session:

• Introduction to Change Management

  • Defining change management and its significance in the workplace.
  • Why effective change management is crucial for administrative staff.
  • The role of administrative staff in supporting organizational change initiatives.

• Types of Organizational Change

  • Strategic, structural, technological, and people-related changes.
  • Recognizing the impact of different types of changes on administrative duties and responsibilities.
  • Anticipating the challenges and opportunities that change brings.

Afternoon Session:

• Understanding Change Resistance

  • Why employees resist change: Psychological and emotional factors.
  • The impact of resistance on productivity and team dynamics.
  • Identifying and addressing the signs of resistance to change.

• Building a Change Management Mindset

  • Developing a proactive and positive attitude toward change.
  • Embracing change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
  • Techniques for fostering resilience and adaptability in administrative teams.

Interactive Exercise:

• Participants will reflect on past changes they have experienced and analyze their responses, identifying areas for improvement in managing future changes.

Day 2: Key Change Management Models and Frameworks

Morning Session:

• The ADKAR Model

  • Overview of the ADKAR model: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
  • Applying ADKAR to support individuals and teams through change.
  • How administrative staff can play a role in each phase of the ADKAR model.

• Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model

  • Overview of Kotter’s model: Create urgency, form a coalition, develop vision, communicate vision, remove obstacles, generate short-term wins, build on change, and anchor in culture.
  • How each step of Kotter’s model applies to administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Tools and techniques for implementing Kotter’s 8-step approach in office settings.

Afternoon Session:

• Comparison of Change Models

  • Comparing ADKAR and Kotter’s models to identify which is best suited for different types of changes.
  • How administrative staff can use these models to support leadership during change.

• Change Communication Techniques

  • The importance of clear, transparent, and consistent communication during change.
  • Best practices for communicating change to different stakeholders, including team members and management.
  • Creating effective communication plans for change initiatives.

Interactive Exercise:

• Participants will work in groups to apply ADKAR or Kotter’s model to a hypothetical organizational change scenario, creating an action plan for managing the change.

Day 3: Managing Personal Responses to Change

Morning Session:

• The Psychological Impact of Change

  • Understanding the emotional responses to change: Anxiety, fear, excitement, and resistance.
  • How to recognize and address personal emotions related to change.
  • The importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in managing change.

• Coping Strategies for Change

  • Techniques for managing stress and uncertainty during periods of change.
  • Building mental resilience through mindfulness, self-care, and effective time management.
  • How to stay focused and maintain productivity during transitions.

Afternoon Session:

• Supporting Others Through Change

  • Identifying signs of stress or burnout in colleagues and how to offer support.
  • Coaching others to embrace change positively and proactively.
  • Fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere in the office.

• Time Management During Change

  • How to prioritize tasks and maintain work-life balance during periods of change.
  • Managing conflicting priorities and shifting deadlines effectively.
  • Strategies for staying organized and reducing overwhelm.

Interactive Exercise:

• Participants will practice identifying and addressing their own responses to change using self-reflection and stress-management techniques.

Day 4: Implementing and Supporting Organizational Change

Morning Session:

• Creating an Action Plan for Change

  • Developing a structured approach to implementing change initiatives.
  • Setting clear objectives, timelines, and roles for change implementation.
  • How to manage resources and ensure administrative tasks align with the overall change strategy.

• Monitoring and Adjusting the Change Process

  • How to track progress during a change initiative: Key performance indicators (KPIs), surveys, and feedback loops.
  • Identifying when adjustments are needed and how to implement them effectively.
  • The role of administrative staff in monitoring change outcomes and reporting back to management.

Afternoon Session:

• Leadership and Change Management

  • The role of leadership in driving successful change: Providing vision, support, and motivation.
  • How administrative staff can support leaders in fostering a change-friendly environment.
  • Building trust between leaders and teams during times of change.

• Overcoming Change Fatigue

  • Recognizing when employees are experiencing change fatigue and burnout.
  • Strategies for mitigating change fatigue and maintaining morale.
  • Celebrating small wins and recognizing efforts during change processes.

Interactive Exercise:

• Participants will collaborate to design an action plan for implementing a specific change in their workplace, considering administrative support, communication strategies, and performance tracking.

Day 5: Evaluating and Sustaining Change

Morning Session:

• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Change Initiatives

  • Methods for evaluating the success of change initiatives: Surveys, feedback, and performance metrics.
  • Understanding the impact of change on team dynamics, productivity, and morale.
  • Using data to identify areas for further improvement and refine future change strategies.

• Sustaining Change and Continuous Improvement

  • How to ensure that changes are embedded into the organizational culture.
  • Building systems and processes to support continuous improvement.
  • The role of administrative staff in reinforcing changes and supporting ongoing development.

Afternoon Session:

• Building a Change-Ready Culture

  • Strategies for promoting agility and adaptability in the workplace.
  • Encouraging employees to continuously seek improvement and embrace change as part of the company culture.
  • Training and developing future leaders to manage change effectively.

• Wrap-Up and Final Assessment

  • Recap of key change management concepts: Communication, resistance, models, and leadership support.
  • Final group exercise: Create a change management strategy for a specific office change or transition.
  • Certification of completion for successful participants.