Common Challenge: Misalignment Between Change and Project Execution
Quick Summary
Too often, change management is treated as a parallel track to project management—rather than an integrated component. This siloed approach creates confusion, delays, and diminished outcomes. This article explores how integrating change and project efforts improves clarity, coordination, and results.
The Challenge
When change and project activities run on separate timelines, led by different teams with limited communication, critical dependencies are missed. Project teams may “hand off” deliverables without considering adoption, while change practitioners lack insight into technical constraints or timelines.
Why It Matters
Project success isn’t just about delivering on time and on budget—it’s about achieving adoption and usage. If the change work is out of sync with the project, stakeholders get mixed messages, resistance rises, and ROI suffers.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model emphasizes full integration between change and project work. That means shared planning, joint milestones, and collaboration from start to finish. Change isn’t extra—it’s essential.
How-to Solution
- Involve Change Leaders from the Start
Embed change management in the planning phase—not as an add-on. - Align Milestones and Deliverables
Ensure change milestones (like training or engagement) are part of the project schedule. - Create Shared Accountability
Foster joint ownership between project and change leads for outcomes, not just tasks. - Integrate Communications
Speak with one voice—aligned messaging reduces confusion and builds trust. - Hold Joint Reviews
Regularly assess progress together to adapt plans based on feedback and real-time insights.
Pro Tip
If change and project teams are meeting separately, you’re already misaligned. Integration starts with a seat at the same table.
Wrap-Up & CTA
Change management isn’t a parallel effort—it’s a success multiplier when fully embedded. Use the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model to connect people, plans, and progress.
👉 Want to build integration into your project approach? Join our next Managed Change Workshop or Talk to us about advisory services.
