Transition management: leading people through change

Course summary

Whatever the reason, whether it be a merger, a reorganisation or a new initiative, change is sometimes imposed on us, whether we like it or not. This type of change presents managers with some significant challenges, such as how to motivate their teams whilst there is so much uncertainty, how to maintain their authenticity and integrity, and how to look after themselves and others with sensitivity.

This feature of change is called transition and many managers tell us that they feel conflicted in this period and often under-equipped, as conventional management development rarely prepares them to support their staff members who may be feeling ‘wobbly’ or ‘vulnerable’ as the change envelops them.

There are many ‘change management’ courses and most deliver a holistic view of change from planning to implementation and evaluation, based on one of the leading theories of change. However, the primary focus of this course is to help managers appreciate the impact of change by understanding the psychological factors affecting people in transition. We will address three main topics:
1. The dynamics of change and the importance of thinking it through;
2. How change affects people and how they react;
3. Strategies for leading and managing effectively and with credibility.

“I was extremely impressed by the way the Centre responded to our brief. The training was absolutely suited to the organisation's needs. The trainer was excellent. ”

— AD, Breakthrough Breast Cancer

“This course helped me to manage communications with my staff over the impending changes. ”

— JS, Breast Cancer Campaign

“Our trainer facilitated the whole day as an informed, skilled consultant who had confidence. The course was excellent to consolidate our team, recognise the vision and task ahead. ”

— JJ, Combat Stress

Course dates and location

We can deliver this course virtually for your organisation, on a date and time that suits you. If you have four or more people who would like to attend this course then group training could be the most cost-effective option. Contact one of our Training Coordinators on 020 7490 3030 or email for more information and a quote.

If you would like to attend this course then register your interest with us. Currently, this course is run on request meaning that a date will be scheduled once we have at least three people interested in attending this course.

There are no dates available at the moment.

Course outline
Distinct from mechanistic or functional change management, transition management is about becoming more emotionally aware of the impact of change and helping people adapt to the new way of things. This one-day course will cover:
- setting yourself up for success
- aspects of leadership, management and the change process
- managing the transition
- working through the change curve
- meeting resistance
- Kurt Lewin’s concept of ‘unfreeze, move, refreeze’
- communicating change
- a year of free support
All our training courses are delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.
Who is this course for?

This leading and managing in a transition course is for anyone who wants to better understand how to handle the impact of change in their team, workplace or organisation. It will give you invaluable tools, models and techniques to use straight away.

As the focus of this course is on how to manage people and teams experiencing the change, this course works best for managers and leaders who have already gone through the planning stage. This course is also suitable for those who were not responsible for the changes but now find they have to implement them within their organisations.

The Centre works with people from all sectors including the public, private and voluntary sectors.
What will this course help me do: learning outcomes?

The course will help align what is going on in your heart with what is happening in your head – whilst you may understand the rational aspects of the change, you might need some support with the emotional traits: to help you build resilience in a changing environment; through helping you develop self-awareness as a key leadership capability; by providing some practical tools and techniques for identifying and understanding various transition behaviours; and enabling you to take ownership and direction in your interactions with your staff.
Other courses to consider

You may also be interested in our Supervision skills: managing people and teams and Influencing skills courses.
Course fee
- £589 plus VAT not-for-profit price (applies to charities and all other not-for-profit organisations, including public sector and housing)
- £654 plus VAT standard price (applies to all other organisations)