Growing Your Organization's Change Office: From Surviving to Thriving

Whether through the impacts of quickly growing AI tools and the reliance on big data and analytics, to the economic impacts of inflation and labor market dynamics, today’s business landscape doesn’t stand still for more than a moment. To stay relevant and even thrive in today’s reality, organizations must transform their change management strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Relying on outdated methods can leave companies lagging behind, which is why a more holistic approach that focuses on growth and the ability to navigate change quickly is essential. The five-level maturity model, outlined below, shifts organizations from merely managing change to using it as a powerful driver for success.

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Level 1: Coping with Change

At this stage, organizations are just trying to survive through change. Change management is sporadic and lacks structure. Employees and leaders are often overwhelmed, resulting in frustration, inefficiency, and resistance. The focus is on getting by, not necessarily improving.

Level 2: Formalizing Change Management

Here, organizations start recognizing the value of a more structured approach to change. They bring in formal change management methods (think the ADKAR model) to streamline the process. While this is a step forward, the focus is mostly on implementing practices rather than fostering true organizational development.

Level 3: Integrating Tools for Change

At this level, organizations begin using specific tools to support change management. This includes aligning work breakdown structures, reporting, and communication with stakeholders. By doing this, the organization ensures everyone is on the same page, which in turn boosts engagement and support. The goal here is two-fold:

1. To ensure consistency across different projects.

2. To get a broader view of how multiple projects impact the organization, helping to manage resources like sponsorship more efficiently.

Level 4: Strengthening Organizational Competencies

Now, the focus shifts to building skills at every level—leadership, project management, and change practitioners. The goal is to make change management a natural part of the organization’s day-to-day operations. There’s more accountability, and leadership has better visibility into how change initiatives progress, allowing them to make informed decisions.

Level 5: Accelerating Through Change

The final stage is when an organization no longer just copes with change—it uses it to its advantage. Change becomes a strategic tool at this level that propels the organization forward. With data-driven insights, organizations can prioritize projects that align with their goals and continuously improve. Change isn't just something to manage—it’s an opportunity for growth.

By following this five-level maturity model, organizations can evolve from simply surviving change to leveraging it as a catalyst for innovation, ultimately becoming more agile and resilient in a constantly shifting landscape.

Learn more about RedCloud’s modern approach to change management through our Business Transformation practice, and contacting our team to hear how we can help your organization.