Change Management Models

Change management models are useful in that they describe and simplify a process so that we can understand and apply the principles.

The top models of change management described on this page have proven their value but all focus on very different processes and outcomes. 

Someone wise once said that all models are wrong but some models are useful.

At the end of the day the reality is that change models are created by people based on their research and experience. None of them describe a perfect change process.

Click to view the top models of change on this page.

Review: 8 Reasons You Should Use A Change Management Model

Think about it. If change always followed an exact pattern, if it was always predictable, there wouldn't be a need for different models.

No matter how well you plan for change you should always expect a surprise. Change rarely follows the exact steps change management models suggest.

However, it's always good to work to a plan, especially using a model that's based on experience and observation.

So, explore these models of change management and take what is valuable to you. Allow yourself some flexibility when following a model rather than following it too rigidly.

At a personal and organizational level the models of change we choose are motivated by the way we approach change. There is no right or wrong.

The way you go about implementing change will differ depending on the model you use, but there are basic steps that are essential to follow that are common to personal or organisational change.

Top Change Management Models

Kurt Lewin

Kurt Lewin's Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model is popular as it's easy to understand and focuses on process. It's also inspired many similar 3-step change models that are really a spin on the Lewin model.

Lewin's Force Field Analysis integrates with the three stage theory of change. The Force Field Analysis is a great tool to motivate people towards change and understand resistance.

ADKAR®

The ADKAR® model is frequently used in organisations. A practical model of change that is simple to learn, makes sense, and focuses on the actions and outcomes required for change.

Kotter's 8-Step Model of Change

John Kotter's influential 8-step process for change

Discover the original 8-step change model...

PLUS significant updates introduced in Kotter's 2014 book Accelerate...

PLUS the up-to-date evolution and integration of theory into practical and relevant applications for meaningful change from Change (2021).

Stephen Covey: 7 Habits Model

Stephen Covey's Seven Habits model is an inspiring sequential change management process that challenges us to examine our values and the way we react to change in our lives. Apply the lessons originally published in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and learn to manage change effectively.

In 1998 Sean Covey published The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens effectively making the seven habits model more accessible and proving that a solid model for managing change in life can be presented in a fun and highly readable format.

Kubler-Ross: Stages of Change

The Kubler-Ross model describes typical responses to grief. These have been applied to understand change on an individual level and in the workplace.

When I use this model I find people are relieved to identify their feelings regarding change. But they most enjoy being able to identify and understand how other people respond to change. They immediately get a better sense of their own behaviour and why colleagues behave in a particular way.

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Hi! I'm Mark Connelly. As a psychologist and coach with 20+ years of experience, I help people create and manage change.

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