Change is tough, but learning how to manage it can make your life way easier.
Whether you’re dealing with big shifts at work or trying to improve your personal habits, change management skills come in handy.
That’s why taking a course on the subject can be super helpful.
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You’ll find tons of change management courses out there, but not all of them are worth your time. We’ve done the legwork and picked out seven of the most comprehensive options.
These courses cover everything from the basics to advanced strategies, so you can level up your change management game no matter where you’re starting from.
1) Prosci Change Management Certification
Want to be a change management pro? The Prosci Change Management Certification might be just what you need.
It’s a top choice for folks looking to boost their skills in leading organizational change.
This program teaches you the Prosci ADKAR Model.
You’ll learn how to apply it to real projects during your training.
The best part? You get to work on one of your own active projects as you learn.
The certification involves a three-day interactive training session.
You’ll dive into practical tools and methods for managing change.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to tackle change projects like a pro.
Don’t worry if you can’t attend in person.
Prosci offers both online and in-person options for this certification.
This flexibility makes it easier for busy professionals to fit the training into their schedules.
After completing the program and passing the exam, you’ll join a community of certified change managers.
This network can be a great resource for your future change projects.
2) Kotter’s 8-Step Process Training
Want to learn about a popular change management model? Check out Kotter’s 8-Step Process training.
It’s based on Dr. John Kotter’s research and has helped many companies change successfully.
The training teaches you how to use the 8 steps.
You’ll learn to create urgency, build a team, and make a clear vision.
These steps help get everyone on board with change.
You can take the course in different ways.
There’s live training, virtual classes, or self-paced online learning.
Pick what works best for you.
The course starts with change basics.
Then you can go deeper with more advanced stuff.
You can even become Kotter Change Certified if you want.
This training is great if you’re leading change at work.
You’ll get tools to handle tricky situations and keep people motivated.
It’s practical and based on real-world examples.
3) ADKAR Model Workshop
Want to master a powerful change management tool? The ADKAR Model Workshop is your ticket to success.
This course dives deep into the ADKAR framework, which stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
You’ll learn how to guide individuals and organizations through change using these five key elements.
The workshop teaches you to spot and overcome resistance to change, a common hurdle in many projects.
One of the best parts? You’ll get hands-on experience applying the ADKAR model to real-world scenarios.
This practical approach helps you understand how to use the model in your own work right away.
The course also covers how to involve stakeholders and track outcomes.
These skills are crucial for boosting adoption rates and making sure changes stick.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid grasp of the ADKAR model and how to use it effectively.
This knowledge can give you an edge in managing change projects and help you become a more valuable team member.
4) Change Management Foundation (APMG)
Want to get a solid grasp on change management basics? The Change Management Foundation course from APMG might be just what you’re looking for.
This course digs into the theories behind change management practices.
You’ll learn how to apply these ideas in real-world situations.
It’s great for anyone working in change management or hoping to move into the field.
The course was recently updated in March 2024.
It now takes a more practical approach to change.
You’ll explore new topics like developing change through teamwork and keeping people feeling safe during changes.
By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of how organizations handle change.
You’ll also learn about the people side of change and how to lead change efforts.
The course wraps up with an exam.
Pass it, and you’ll earn a certification that shows you know your stuff when it comes to change management basics.
5) Cornell University Change Leadership
Want to become a top-notch change leader? Cornell University’s got you covered.
They offer some seriously cool courses to boost your change management skills.
Their Change Management certificate program is a game-changer.
It teaches you how to spot upcoming changes, put them into action, and keep the ball rolling.
The program includes four main courses and two leadership electives.
You’ll learn from Cornell’s expert faculty and get hands-on experience.
One standout course is Leading Organizational Change.
It dives into the practical skills that make great leaders tick.
You’ll discover how to anticipate trends, implement changes, and keep things moving forward.
Cornell’s approach is all about giving you real-world skills.
You’ll learn stuff you can use right away in your job.
Plus, the online format makes it easy to fit into your busy schedule.
By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to tackle any change that comes your way.
You’ll have the tools to lead your team through transitions like a pro.
6) Harvard Change Management Simulation
Want to practice change management in a risk-free environment? The Change Management Simulation: Power and Influence from Harvard Business Publishing might be just what you’re looking for.
In this simulation, you’ll step into the shoes of a leader at a sunglass company.
Your mission? Implement a company-wide sustainability initiative.
It’s not as easy as it sounds!
You’ll face different scenarios that test your change management skills.
The simulation looks at two key factors: your power in the organization and how you influence others.
Don’t expect to breeze through this one.
You’ll need to think carefully about which change levers to pull.
Should you use your authority or try to win people over? It’s up to you to decide.
This isn’t just about making decisions.
You’ll see the results of your choices play out in real-time.
It’s a great way to learn from your mistakes without real-world consequences.
The simulation is perfect for both students and professionals.
You’ll get hands-on experience with change management challenges in a fun, interactive way.
7) Coursera Organizational Change Management
Want to learn how to manage change in your organization? Coursera has some great options for you.
One standout course is Leading transformations: Manage change from Macquarie University.
This course helps you understand the basics of change management.
You’ll learn how to lead transformations and influence others in your organization.
Another solid choice is the Leading Organizational Change course.
It teaches you how to navigate change in your team or department.
You’ll pick up useful frameworks for making change happen.
The course also covers how to measure the results of your change efforts.
If you’re looking for a broader view, check out the Influencing: Storytelling, Change Management and Governance specialization.
It combines change management with other key leadership skills.
These Coursera offerings give you flexible, online learning options.
You can study at your own pace and fit the courses around your busy schedule.
Importance of Change Management Training
Change management training is crucial for organizations and employees.
It helps companies adapt to new situations and empowers workers to handle shifts in their roles.
Boosting Organizational Performance
Change management training can seriously boost how well your company does.
When you train your team, they get better at dealing with new stuff that comes up.
This means your business can move faster and stay ahead of the competition.
Training also helps everyone work together better.
You’ll see fewer mix-ups and more teamwork.
This leads to smoother projects and happier customers.
Plus, when your staff knows how to handle change, they’re more likely to come up with cool new ideas.
This can lead to better products or ways of doing things.
It’s like giving your whole company a creativity boost!
Enhancing Employee Adaptability
Learning about change management makes your employees more flexible.
They’ll be ready for whatever comes their way at work.
This is super important in today’s fast-moving business world.
When your team understands change, they’re less likely to freak out when things shift.
Instead, they’ll see it as a chance to grow and learn new skills.
This positive attitude can make a big difference in how well changes go over.
Training also helps your staff feel more in control.
They’ll know what to expect and how to deal with it.
This can make them happier at work and less likely to leave for other jobs.
Choosing the Right Course for You
Picking the best change management course depends on your goals and background.
Think about what you want to learn and how much time you can commit.
Assessing Learning Objectives
Start by looking at what each course aims to teach.
Do you need basic concepts or advanced strategies? Some programs focus on theory, while others offer hands-on practice.
Check if the course fits your career stage. Beginner courses are great for newcomers.
If you’re experienced, look for advanced certifications that build on your skills.
Consider your learning style too.
Do you prefer self-paced online lessons or live workshops? Pick a format that keeps you engaged and fits your schedule.
Evaluating Course Content
Look closely at what each course covers.
A good program should include:
- Change models and frameworks
- Communication strategies
- Dealing with resistance
- Measuring success
Compare syllabi to see which topics interest you most.
Some courses might focus on specific industries or types of change.
Check for practical elements like case studies or simulations.
These help you apply what you learn to real situations.
Don’t forget to look at who’s teaching.
Instructors with real-world experience can offer valuable insights. Reputable certifications often have expert trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Change management courses offer valuable skills for leading organizational transitions.
Let’s explore some common questions about these programs.
What are some top online courses for learning change management?
You can find great online options for change management training.
The Prosci Change Management Certification is a popular choice.
Another good pick is the Kotter’s 8-Step Process Training.
Which institutions offer the best certifications in change management?
Several respected organizations provide change management certifications. Cornell University’s Change Leadership program is highly regarded.
The APMG Change Management Foundation certification is also well-known in the field.
How can I become a certified change management professional?
To become certified, you’ll need to complete a recognized program.
The ADKAR Model Workshop is a great starting point.
After finishing a course, you’ll usually need to pass an exam to earn your certification.
Are there any free courses available for change management training?
While many top programs have fees, you can find some free resources to start learning.
Check out online platforms like Coursera or edX for introductory courses.
These can give you a taste of the field before investing in a paid certification.
What foundational principles are usually covered in change management courses?
Most courses cover communication strategies and ways to handle resistance to change.
You’ll also learn about different change models and how to create action plans.
Additionally, courses often teach you how to assess an organization’s readiness for change.