How to manage change for the success of your projects?

Author: Nona Rotariu

How to manage change for the success of your projects?

Change is essential in any organization, and managing it effectively can make the difference between success and failure. The ADKAR model, developed by Jeff Hiatt, provides a structured framework for implementing change, focusing on five stages: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. How does the ADKAR model work?
  1. Awareness: Team members must understand the need for change, for example, switching to new software
  2. Desire: Creating the desire to support change through inspirational leadership styles
  3. Knowledge: The team must have the necessary knowledge, through training and workshops
  4. Ability: Transforming theoretical knowledge into practical skills, with ongoing support
  5. Reinforcement: Ensuring that change is maintained in the long term, through recognition of efforts and positive feedback
The importance of flexibility in change Flexibility is crucial to navigating change successfully. Teams that are open to new ideas are more resilient and able to adapt. Artificial intelligence and change AI plays a significant role in change management, analyzing data on team performance, identifying risks, and optimizing workflows. Chatbots and virtual assistants facilitate communication and automate repetitive tasks. Volunteering, leadership and change – how do they all intertwine? For over three years, I have been a volunteer in the PMI Romania Chapter, where I had the opportunity to get involved in various activities: organizing the annual conference, coordinating monthly events, translating PMBOK 7 (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and many more. This experience has not only given me the opportunity to contribute to the community, but also to develop essential leadership, communication and change management skills. Change is inevitable, and adaptability is the key to success. The ADKAR model provides a solid framework for navigating transformations, and volunteering is one of the most effective ways to learn to actively manage change. Through direct involvement, we discover how to inspire, coordinate, and implement solutions that really matter. Volunteering teaches us leadershipTechnology and AI can accelerate change Flexibility and engagement create real impactMahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Volunteering is not just about giving, it’s about growing, learning, and becoming agents of change. Whether it’s supporting a project, introducing new processes to an organization, or adopting innovative technologies, every action counts.