Assessing Readiness for Change

Change can take many forms, including:

• a major shift in organizational direction,

• a decision to simplify and focus on a limited number of core activities, 

• a restructured program, process or organization.

A realistic assessment of the organization’s readiness for change is essential. Decisions to proceed require:

• a reliable assessment of the factors that will impact an organization’s readiness for change,

• an implementation plan that also develops capacity for ongoing development.

 Leading by Design addresses the critical questions:

• Do key stakeholders understand and support the initiative?

• Are available financial and physical resources adequate?

• Are current staff skills and experience adequate?

• Do staff have access to needed tools and information resources?

• Is effective sponsorship and project management in place?

• Are effective issue-management and decision-making processes in place?

• Are feedback and accountability systems sufficiently developed?

• Are there unacknowledged barriers to successful implementation?

Leading by Design works with individual academic or administrative units, as well with senior leaders, to assess the broader capacity of the organization to take on complex, cross-functional initiatives. 

In each case, Leading by Design conducts a comprehensive analysis of the situation, develops recommendations, and works with the client as appropriate to develop implementation plans.