Shaping change – 2-module training course with learning loop

Until 2021, the intensive course was offered exclusively in Germany. Since then, there have also been various virtual “derivatives” such as the English and French-language three-day courses for national experts as well as separate courses for managers. If required, the course can also be held in person abroad.

We deliberately decided against the title “Change Management” because this often implies a narrow focus on the managerial aspects of change processes. However, “shaping” change goes beyond “doing”. On the part of the designers, it requires a clarified attitude and awareness, an understanding of learning processes and the ability to use interventions in a goal-oriented manner. Changes are aligned to the respective organizational culture and speed in order to stimulate the forces of self-organization. This promotes the emerging change and increases ownership of the change process.
In the context of international cooperation, the project mandate is usually closely linked to change. The agreed objectives and effects can only be achieved through a change process, often within the framework of a cooperation system that extends beyond organizational boundaries.

In contrast to consulting in companies, the consulting setting in international cooperation is different in many respects:
The authority of the commissioning party is less clear. Accordingly, paradoxical situations already arise in the clarification of the assignment and in the assignment responsibility. The roles of the seconded experts are much more diverse. The target definition of the project has several “cooks” and interpretations. Implicit intentions almost systematically enter the practice of change management as “Trojan horses”. The question of which side is responsible for which aspects has been clarified in terms of models, but is by no means clear in practice. The structural realities in the partner countries, for example, bring the issue of power and the political arena into play in a way that requires a Western-based understanding of Organization Development to broaden its perspective considerably.

Usually, we work with 14 participants from Germany and abroad, with a mix of technical, commercial and managerial orientations. In addition to our targeted input, we primarily create a laboratory situation with lots of practical case work, peer advice, personal elements and lots of fun!