Leading Change

Description

This essential course is designed for managers in public service organizations who are tasked with leading and managing change. It offers a deep dive into the dynamics of organizational change, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty. Participants will learn effective strategies for communicating change, overcoming resistance, and building a resilient and innovative organizational culture. Through a combination of theory and practice, the course prepares leaders to drive transformation and ensure their teams are equipped to adapt and thrive.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this webinar, participants will:

• Understand the imperative for change within public service organizations and identify key triggers for change.
• Master techniques for effectively communicating change to enhance team understanding and buy-in.
• Develop strategies to address and overcome resistance to change, managing transitions smoothly.
• Explore methods to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within their teams.
• Gain practical insights into leading significant change initiatives and driving organizational transformation.

Course Content:

1. Understanding Organizational Change and Crisis Management:

• Examining the role of leadership in times of organizational change and crisis.
• Examining the expectations toward leadership during a crisis

2. Leading Through Uncertainty and Ambiguity:

• Key success factor of a change (from QIRC research)
• Dealing with engagement and resistance

3. Leading Humans through transition

• Leading rather than managing change
• Making people succeed despite their discomfort, rather than without discomfort
• Expectations of a leaders during a transition.

Core Skills Developed:

• Effective Change Communication: Skills for articulating the need for change and the expected outcomes to various stakeholders.
• Managing Resistance to Change: Techniques for identifying resistance, engaging with it constructively, and fostering acceptance.
• Leadership in Transition Management: Approaches to support and guide teams during the transition phases of organizational change.

Teaching Methods:

This course incorporates various interactive and practical teaching methods tailored to adult learners, including:

• Interactive Lectures: Insightful presentations to convey the theoretical foundations of leading change.
• Workshops and Simulation Exercises: Practical activities to apply the concepts learned in realistic scenarios.
• Group Discussions and Peer Learning: Opportunities to share experiences and strategies for leading change effectively.
• Case Study Analysis: Examination of real-world examples of successful and unsuccessful change initiatives to draw practical lessons.

Duration:

• 3 hours, including short breaks to ensure maximum engagement and effective learning absorption.

Who should take this course

• This course is crucial for leaders in public service who need to manage change effectively within their organizations. Participants will leave with a robust set of tools and knowledge to lead change initiatives confidently, ensuring their organizations are adaptable and resilient in the face of both expected and unforeseen challenges.

Certificate in Frontline Leadership

This course is part of the Certificate in Frontline Leadership offered by the institute. Through a blend of core and elective courses, participants will gain valuable insights and tools to excel in their roles and drive their teams towards success.

Facilitators

Mr. François Gagnon served as Vice-President of the Learning Lab at the IOG for 6 years.He brings rich experience in the area of public sector learning and leadership.  

Mr. Gagnon worked in the Public Service of Canada for 25 years, including 13 years as executive. He had the privilege to organize national ministerial consultations, to negotiate international and federal-provincial agreements and to lead national Grants and Contribution programs. At the Canada School of Public Service, he developed a change management and coaching practice. As Senior Director of Leadership Development, he led and oversaw the review of the entire suite of the School’s Leadership Development products for the Government of Canada. 

In 2014, Mr. Gagnon founded Lead-Action, a firm specialized in Leadership Development. He joined the Institute on Governance in 2019 where he has been using his knowledge and expertise to build on the IOG’s strong reputation in this area. 

Mr. Gagnon has a Degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Project Management during which he specialized in Leadership and Change Management. Over the last 20 years, he was lecturing in Leadership and Change at the University of Ottawa and Université du Québec en Outaouais. He completed required certifications to teach and administer a large range of psychometric instruments including products from the Center for Creative Leadership, Insights Discovery and two emotional intelligence instruments. He has facilitated and has managed the delivery of a large number of Leadership Development products and courses, including organizational 360-degree feedback processes and executive coaching in a large number of organizations in Canada and abroad. Mr. Gagnon was also invited to teach Leadership and Change Management at the University of Moscow and at the Russian Academy of Public Administration and has led the development of a Leadership Development program for Deputy Ministers of the Government of Ukraine. Through his work at Lead Action, he also contributed to leadership development projects in Indonesia, Belize and Mexico. 

In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Gagnon holds a Private Pilot license and is a classically trained pianist who performs regularly in the region.