I recently had the pleasure of presenting at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus on the real-world applications of change management to a group of enthusiastic undergraduate students.
These future leaders will be entering workplaces where change is constant and equipping them with practical approaches to manage and embrace this change is more important than ever
In the session, I was able to share:
Drivers and Types of Change
We examined technology-driven changes, with examples from client projects, to help students see the relevance of change management in today’s workplaces
Change Models and Adaptive Approaches
While there are many change models to choose from, we emphasized the importance of adaptability, focusing on how both mindset and approach are key.
Roles in Change Management
From executive sponsors to frontline managers, students learned about roles at strategic, operational, and implementation levels and how these contribute to successful change.
Managing Resistance
One of the biggest challenges in any change initiative is resistance. We reviewed techniques to build trust and gain buy-in, showing students how to tackle this common hurdle.
It was inspiring to see students engage with the material, ask insightful questions, and connect theories to practical examples. Watching them envision how they might handle change in their careers is exactly why sessions like this matter.
As they prepare to enter the workforce, understanding change management will be an invaluable skill, whether they’re leading projects, joining a new team, or supporting transformations in their organizations. I’m excited to see how they’ll apply these concepts!
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the team at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus for making this presentation opportunity possible. Special thanks to Chintan Patel , Lecturer in Applied Management; Russell Harray, Academic Director; Bing Dai, Head of the Department (Applied Management); and Kim Fulton, Content and Communication Lead.
Thank you for recognizing the value of incorporating real world change management in your Business Transformation and Change course and providing the opportunity for practitioners like myself to share insights with the next generation.
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