Mastering the Change Curve

Available in both Online and Paper-Based Format

The old adage “the only thing constant is change” has never been more true than it is in today’s work world. Factors such as the economy, advancements in technology and customer demands require companies act quickly; to adjust and innovate. Mastering the Change Curve will help train each team member to understand their response to change, confront challenges and successfully move through the four change phases: Denial, Resistance, Exploration and Commitment.

Positively strengthen morale, build trust and increase productivity as you use this tool to support your employees through the change process.

Learning Outcomes

  •       Identify an actual organizational change to assess
  •       Understand the four phases of change
  •       Assess one’s current stage in the change process
  •       Identify both productive and nonproductive change behaviours
  •       Establish positive strategies for coping with change

Theory & Development

Experts in the area of organizational development and change management, the authors, Drs. Dennis Jaffe and Cynthia Scott acknowledge that change is part of conducting business – it is constantly occurring at various degrees throughout an organization. Recognizing that change affects each individual differently and that reactions will vary from person to person, it is imperative to understand the four phases of change and how to help one successfully move through the process. These phases are Denial, Resistance, Exploration and Commitment.

The Change Curve Model is based on the following principles:

  •       Change is continuous
  •       Everyone has a different response-to and acceptance-of change
  •       Adaptation to change happens sequentially
  •       Both positive and negative behaviours should be expected
  •       Open, proactive dialogue can help to minimize disruption and dissention
  •       Progression through the four phases often results in new opportunities and personal growth

Uses for the Product

Mastering the Change Curve is designed to coach people how to successfully move through a time of transition. Its flexible format is appropriate for a variety of training situations from individual online use, to a workshop, or team-building session.

Individuals will benefit from self-evaluation as they interact with the assessment, receive their report results, gain insight, and develop a personal action plan. 

As a Group encountering change together, this exercise will stimulate discussion, promote a better understanding of team members, and help groups to move forward and together through the transition process.

How it Works

Mastering the Change Curve starts by asking participants to identify an actual change process and then respond to the 24-statement self-assessment. Individuals will score their answers; identify which of the four phases of change they are in currently; and, gain insight on how to move successfully through the first three phases: Denial, Resistance and Exploration; resulting in the last: Commitment. 

Facilitators will benefit from a step-by-step guide that provides an outline for leading a two-hour Mastering the Change Curve workshop and clarifies how to interpret assessment results. Additionally, the Facilitators Guide thoroughly explains the four phases of change and details the model’s technical development. This guide also includes:

  •       Workshop–at-a-Glance which contains a Preparation Checklist & Facilitator Instructions
  •       Facilitator Support complete with a list of FAQs, Optional Activities and Alternative Training Templates
  •       Reproducible Masters such as Certificates and Overhead Transparencies
  •       Complete Participant Guide

What to Order

Mastering the Change Curve is available in both online and print versions. You will need a Facilitator Guide for each trainer and an online or print participant material for each learner. Purchasing all of the participant materials you need at one time may qualify you for quantity discounts that can save you money and simplify ordering.

The online version is an excellent choice for enterprise-wide training or audiences that are geographically dispersed. It offers 24/7 access, streamlined distribution, and instant scoring. Each Online Assessment includes personalized reporting, full-colour charts, interpretive information, worksheets, and action planning. 

The print version is ideal for facilitators who prefer to oversee scoring and administration of the assessment, if you don’t know who the participants will be before the class begins, or if your learners do not have easy access to computers. Includes pressure-sensitive forms for scoring to aid manual tabulation. The accompanying Participant Guide includes interpretive information, worksheets, and action planning.