# What Is Change Management? > What change management is, why it Source: https://www.xalt.de/en/blog/what-is-change-management/ What change management is, why it's needed, which methods exist (ADKAR, Kotter, Lewin, Strategyzer), and how the change management process works. TEAM XALT Atlassian Platinum Partner · 24 June 2024 · 6 min Change management, also known as change management, refers to the systematic approach that a company or organisation uses when implementing changes. These changes can be of various natures – from the introduction of new technologies to the adaptation of business processes to structural changes within the organisation. The goal of change management is to make the transition as smooth and efficient as possible to ensure that all stakeholders accept the changes and can implement them successfully. - What is change management needed for? - Why is change management so important? - What change management methods are there? - How does change management help me with the introduction of new technologies or processes? - Whitepaper: 6 Change Management Insights from Practice - What does the change management process look like? - Conclusion - Case Study: Change Management for Developer Self-Service and Knowledge Base with Confluence and Jira Service Management ## What is change management needed for? Change management is required to ensure that changes within an organisation are not only planned but also effectively implemented. Changes can bring a variety of challenges, such as employee resistance, misunderstandings about the necessity of the change, or insufficient resources for implementation. Through a structured change management process, these challenges can be identified and overcome, ultimately leading to higher acceptance and a successful transformation. ## Why is change management so important? Change is inevitable in today's fast-paced business world. Companies must continuously adapt to new market conditions, technologies, and customer needs to remain competitive. Without effective change management, the transformation can proceed chaotically and inefficiently, leading to confusion, frustration, and ultimately the failure of the change initiative. Change management ensures that all stakeholders understand why the change is necessary, what their role in the process is, and how they will be supported to implement the change successfully. ## What change management methods are there? There are various methods and models that can be used in change management to structure and guide the change process. Some of the most well-known are: 1. **ADKAR Model:** This model by Prosci focuses on five phases: Awareness (awareness of the need for change), Desire (desire to support the change), Knowledge (knowledge of how to implement the change), Ability (ability to implement the change), and Reinforcement (reinforcement of the change to make it permanent). 2. **Kotter’s 8-Step Process:** This approach by John Kotter comprises eight steps, ranging from creating a sense of urgency to anchoring the new approaches in the corporate culture. 3. **Lewin’s Change Management Model:** This model consists of three phases: Unfreezing (thawing current processes), Changing (implementing the change), and Refreezing (freezing the new processes). 4. **Strategyzer Value Proposition Design:** This method helps to understand customer needs and desires and to plan and implement changes based on them. ## How does change management help me with the introduction of new technologies or processes? The introduction of new technologies or processes can often encounter resistance, as employees have become accustomed to existing systems and may be sceptical about changes. Change management helps to overcome this resistance by ensuring that: - **Early Communication:** Employees are informed early and continuously about upcoming changes and understand the reasons and benefits of the new technologies or processes. - **Training and Support:** Through targeted training and continuous support, employees are prepared for the new requirements and enabled to use the new systems effectively. - **Engagement and Involvement:** Employees are actively involved in the change process, which increases their acceptance and engagement. - **Feedback and adjustment:** The change process is continuously monitored and adjusted based on employee feedback to ensure that the change is successful. ## Whitepaper: 6 Change Management Insights from Practice If you would like to learn more about change management and are looking for practical tips and strategies to successfully implement changes in your company, download our whitepaper. [**Download**](https://team.xalt.de/de/whitepaper-change-management) ![Cover of the XALT whitepaper '6 Change Management Erkenntnisse aus der Praxis', showing a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c475o02b/production/d4652042dd256d7a3321c79492988da353e6d066-1836x2104.png?w=1504&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) ## What does the change management process look like? The change management process typically consists of several phases aimed at shaping the transition in a systematic and structured manner: 1. **Preparation:** In this phase, the need for change is identified and a strategy is developed. This includes analysing the current situation, defining objectives, and planning the necessary steps. 2. **Planning:** Based on the strategy, a detailed plan is created that defines specific measures, responsibilities, and timeframes. 3. **Implementation:** The planned measures are implemented. This can include training, communication campaigns, and the introduction of new technologies or processes. 4. **Monitoring and adjustment:** The progress of the change initiative is continuously monitored and adjusted based on feedback and results. 5. **Reinforcement:** Measures are taken to make the changes permanent and ensure that the new approaches are embedded in the corporate culture. ## Conclusion Change management is a crucial factor for the success of changes within an organisation. It ensures that changes are implemented in a structured and efficient manner, thereby increasing employee acceptance and engagement. By applying proven methods and models, companies can ensure that they remain competitive even in times of change. ## Case Study: Change Management for Developer Self-Service and Knowledge Base with Confluence and Jira Service Management Discover how we helped a leading company revolutionise its development processes through a developer self-service portal and a central knowledge base. Learn how targeted change management increased user acceptance and achieved efficiency gains. **Read our case study:** - The challenges and solutions in introducing new technologies. - The role of Confluence and Jira Service Management in the implementation. - The impressive results of the transformation strategy. Read the full case study now and get inspired! [**Read on!**](https://www.xalt.de/en/case/developer-self-service-change-management/) ## Ready for change management on your Atlassian projects? We support you with structured change management when rolling out new tools and processes in your organization. [Talk to us](https://www.xalt.de/en/contact/) ## More articles ### [Personal AI Agents Compared: Rovo, OpenClaw, and Agent SDKs Like Claude or OpenAI](https://www.xalt.de/en/blog/personal-ai-agents-compared-rovo-openclaw-and-agent-sdks/) Rovo, OpenClaw, or Claude/OpenAI: how personal AI agents differ in 2026 and which approach fits your team. *Atlassian* ### [BaFin Compliance for Atlassian Cloud – What Financial Institutions Need to Know Now](https://www.xalt.de/en/blog/bafin-compliance-atlassian-cloud-migration/) New EU FSA rules have been in effect for Atlassian Cloud in financial services since December 2024. 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