The language of change gets used loosely, and that costs programmes time. Here are the twenty terms we rely on most, defined plainly.
Most change programmes do not fail on method. They fail because the people involved are using the same words to mean different things – a sponsor who thinks they are a champion, a readiness assessment that measures systems rather than people, governance that reports but does not decide.
1. Change Management
A structured approach to transitioning an organisation from a current state to a desired future state.
Read more: Change management is not a barrier, but the bridge to impact
2. Stakeholder Engagement
The process of involving those affected by the change to gain their support and minimise resistance.
Read more: Why turning resistance into advocacy is crucial to success
3. Organisational Culture
The values that shape how work is done within an organisation.
Read more: How to thrive through change
4. Agile Transformation
Adopting agile methodologies to increase flexibility, responsiveness and efficiency.
Read more: Selecting the right project methodology
5. Digital Transformation
The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, changing how it operates and delivers value to customers.
Read more: CS Consultancy
6. Leadership Alignment
Ensuring leaders are on the same page regarding the vision of the change initiative.
Read more: Why managers matter more than ever during transformation
7. Change Readiness
The extent to which an organisation is prepared to undergo change, and the ability of its people to embrace it.
Read more: Is your business truly ready for transformational change?
8. Vision and Strategy
A compelling picture of the future state of the organisation, and the plan to achieve it.
Read more: What really drives change success?
9. Change Communication
The dissemination of information about the change initiative to ensure transparency.
10. Resistance Management
Identifying and mitigating opposition to change, for smooth implementation.
Read more: Understanding and overcoming resistance to change
11. Employee Empowerment
Enabling employees to take initiative and make decisions within the framework of the change.
Read more: Why technology should enhance, not replace, human connections
12. Change Impact Analysis
Assessing the effects of change on the different parts of an organisation – processes, roles and systems.
Read more: The high cost of poor change management
13. Training and Development
Providing the skills needed to support successful implementation of the change.
14. Change Champion
Individuals within the organisation who advocate for the change and help drive its adoption.
Read more: The 5 pillars you need to create lasting change
15. Business Process Reengineering
The radical redesign of business processes to achieve improvements in productivity, efficiency and quality.
16. Continuous Improvement
Ongoing efforts to improve products, services or processes – a key component of transformational change.
Read more: Embracing trends to stay ahead in a complex world
17. Performance Metrics
Quantitative measures used to assess the effectiveness and impact of a change initiative.
Read more: How to maximise ROI in change management
18. Governance Structure
The framework of rules by which change initiatives are directed, to keep them aligned with business objectives.
Read more: Best practice techniques for governing change programmes
19. Change Sponsor
A senior leader who provides direction, resources and support so the change initiative remains a priority.
Read more: Basic drills for governing change in 4 steps
20. Organisational Agility
The ability of an organisation to adapt quickly to changes in its market or industry.
Read more: Managing change in uncertain times
Need this capability, not just the vocabulary?
CS Consultancy works with UK public and private sector organisations to plan and land change that sticks. We hold places on the DOS7 and G-Cloud frameworks. Talk to us.
Further reading: Association for Project Management: what is change management