Change Management with a Community Mindset: A Guide to Successful Transitions
Change management is a crucial aspect of any organization. It involves the process of preparing, supporting, and helping individuals, teams, and organizations to make a smooth transition from the current state to a desired future state. While it may seem like a daunting task, approaching change management with the mindset of a community professional can make a world of difference. Throughout my time working in community, I’ve been involved with or leading changes both big and small and I’ve noticed how my experience in the profession has helped with the management of these changes. Let’s explore how different community-building skills can translate to successful change management.
One of the key skills that community professionals possess is the ability to build relationships. They know how to connect with people, understand their needs, and build trust. When it comes to change management, building relationships is just as important. It’s essential to get people on board with the change and create a shared understanding of why the change is necessary. Community professionals can leverage their skills to develop a sense of community around the change, making it easier for people to adopt and support it.
You’ll also find that community professionals tend to possess the ability to communicate rather effectively. They know how to convey information in a clear and concise manner, and they understand how to use different channels to reach their audience. When it comes to change management, communication is critical. It’s important to communicate the benefits of the change, the timeline, and the potential impact on individuals and the organization. Community professionals can use their communication skills to create a plan for communication that ensures everyone is informed and engaged.
Community professionals also know how to manage conflict. They understand that conflict is a natural part of any community, and they know how to navigate it effectively. When it comes to change management, conflict can arise when people resist the change or when different stakeholders have competing priorities. Community professionals can use their conflict management skills to identify the root cause of the conflict and work towards a resolution that benefits everyone involved.
Finally, community professionals know how to measure success. They understand that success is not just about numbers but about creating a sense of community and engagement. When it comes to change management, measuring success is critical. It’s important to track the progress of the change, gather feedback, and adjust the plan as necessary. Community professionals can use their measurement skills to create a plan for tracking success and making data-driven decisions.
As you can see, approaching change management with the mindset of a community professional can be a game-changer. By leveraging skills in relationship-building, effective communication, conflict management, and measurement, community builders can create a sense of community around the change and make it easier for people to adopt and support it. If you’re tasked with managing change in your organization, consider adopting a community mindset and see the difference it can make.
If you’ve managed change with a community mindset, please share your own experience!
If you agree with what I shared, leave a few claps, and make sure to follow if you’re new here. And please don’t hesitate to forward this to someone who might enjoy it!
About Adiel Cloud Nuesmeyer
Hi, I’m Adiel (she/her)! I’m a Sr. Director of Community Development, leading a team of 13 to connect with our customers — as well as form connections between them. My professional superpower is being able to glean insights and features from engaging 1:1 with customers — because I truly care about them and the community.
When I’m not leading the charge (and teaching others how to lead their *own* charge), I can be found driving my kids to umpteen gymnastics practices, tending to a literal indoor jungle of household plants while watching the Utah Jazz — and pretending I don’t see my husband talking about buying a 5th grill. Yes, a *5th* grill, lol. I’d love to connect with other passionate professionals and mission-driven organizations on LinkedIn!
