Managing Change Projects with a human touch

Managing Change Projects with a human touch

When you realise your structure will not enable your strategy, it can be daunting, to say the least.

Understanding the capability you need to deliver new and ambitious objectives is only the first step.

We were grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this mid-sized public sector organisation. Beginning with discovery to understand the employee perspective, we were able to co-design a structure and ways of working that would support a new and important focus for this organisation.

Managing change with a human touch

Leading change is one of the most challenging aspects of being a leader in an organisation today. A key learning for this organisation was the importance of truly understanding the individual needs across the organisation. Because of this, we can engage in a meaningful way and support the wide range of needs and emotions. Understanding the diverse requirements and setting up internal reference groups played an important role in the success of the execution.

The second key learning for everyone involved is that if change is in the wings, don't delay. Uncertainty is almost always the most challenging aspect of experiencing change in an organisation, for both leaders and employees.  The time between recognising your organisation structure and ways of working will not support your organisation to thrive or achieve strategic objectives, and actually being set up for success is challenging for everyone involved.

Our thoughts for other organisations in this predicament:

"It was a very authentic experience. Humankind got to understand who we were as an organisation, they adapted their approach and individualised it to meet our needs and our cultural elements."

Subscribe and be the first to hear when we share ideas.

Other recommended reads
Hiring is an org design decision
17
August
2026

Hiring is an org design decision

Before deciding who to hire, start with the strategy and the work required to deliver it.

Read more
Download
Growth creates opportunity. It also creates people challenges earlier than most leaders expect
10
August
2026

Growth creates opportunity. It also creates people challenges earlier than most leaders expect

Drawing on experience across technology, FMCG, education and private equity-backed businesses, Nicola Cook shares what she's learned supporting organisations through growth.

Read more
Download
Employment law update: what's changed, what's coming, and what to watch
28
July
2026

Employment law update: what's changed, what's coming, and what to watch

It's been a busy few months for employment law in Aotearoa, and the pace isn't letting up. As always, our aim is to help employers understand what's changing, what it means for your organisation, and what you should be doing to prepare.

Read more
Download