Applying OCM to Projects

Projects come with specific objectives and goals that can result in changes to the way a business works. But if the individuals within an organization who are going to be impacted by the outcome of a project don’t agree to implementing changes, your goals won’t be met after all. The solution: Organizational Change Management.  

Organizational Change Management and Projects

1. What Is Organizational Change Management?
2. Why Is Project Change Management Important?
3. Organizational Change Management Strategies
4. Using an OCM Framework Is a Game Changer

What Is Organizational Change Management? 

A lot goes into managing projects successfully, but one thing that might be overlooked is Organizational Change Management (OCM). Put simply, this process helps ensure that anyone who will be affected by a project will be aware of, as well as accepting of, important changes.  

OCM is a process that helps you prepare stakeholders and workers for the changes that lie ahead, thereby putting their minds at ease and giving them the chance to understand why the changes are necessary and beneficial.  

Why Is Project Change Management Important? 

Let’s say you’re managing a project that will result in the implementation of new processes designed to boost a company’s efficiency. Now imagine that those processes are quite different from those currently in place, causing workers to be resistant to the changes.  

As you probably already guessed, when this type of scenario occurs, it can dramatically decrease the ROI of a project. After all, the whole point was to implement changes for the better, with the expectation that the people within the company would be willing to agree to the changes.  

With OCM, the focus is on educating and preparing those who will be affected so they can understand the benefits and the necessity of applying the changes that a project requires. Ultimately, it’s about transitioning seamlessly from old ways of doing things to new methods that bolster success.   

Organizational Change Management Strategies 

How can you make the most of change management in project management, and make sure you integrate OCM into project plans effectively?  

First off, homing in on the people who will be directly affected by a project’s outcome is the goal of OCM. But you want to do this while you’re managing a project, not after it’s complete.    

Also, you can have a project management team and a change management team working together to help reduce risks, improve communication, and boost efficiency. It’s best if these teams work together, communicate well, and agree to the common goals. And it’s also wise to ensure team members on both sides understand their responsibilities and can follow a process that includes milestones.    

Using an OCM Framework Is a Game Changer 

Integrating OCM into your project management plan can be easier when you use an OCM framework that’s designed to reduce resistance, increase motivation, and create change smoothly and quickly.  

A framework can help you take the appropriate steps, in the right order, to ensure people will be prepared for any changes that are forthcoming. You can address concerns and reassure everyone that a change will be a positive move in the right direction. Changes can be managed, workers can be productive, and project goals can be realized.   

The good news is you can choose from various frameworks to find the one that you prefer. Examples include: 

• ADKAR Model
• Satir Change Management Model 
• Kotter’s Model
• Kübler-Ross Model
• McKinsey 7-S Framework
• Lewin Model 

Bottom line: with Organizational Change Management, it’s all about managing a project like you normally would, while also planning for the ideal outcome by taking steps to ensure the impacts of the project will be readily accepted. And, with the right OCM framework, it becomes easier to focus not only on the requirements of the project but also on the people who will be affected by it.   

Sources: 

https://www.enableps.com/the-importance-of-ocm-in-projects-management/  

https://adaptmethodology.com/change-management-framework/ 

https://blog.remesh.ai/7-organizational-change-management-frameworks 

https://change.walkme.com/change-management-frameworks/