Human-centred approach to change management

Elmé’s career is shaped by her social science and allied health background, giving her a unique perspective on change management. Unlike a purely business-focused approach, Elmé prioritises serving people first. This human-centred philosophy helps her focus on the needs of individuals and teams while trusting that profits will follow, which she sees as the key to effective change management.

Daily habits: Expanding perspectives through reading

A key habit contributing to Elmé’s success is her daily routine of following multiple news sources. She believes this practice broadens her perspective, allowing her to observe the world from a 360-degree view. This ability to see situations from different angles is crucial in her role as a change manager, helping her understand diverse perspectives and apply them to complex organisational environments.

Parenting: A model for team management

Elmé credits her role as a parent with enhancing her ability to manage and lead teams. Being an involved parent, she gains insights into human behaviour, relationships, and different life cycles, which she applies directly to her professional life. She often refers to her family as a team, organising “team meetings” with her children, which reflect the dynamics of leading teams at work.

The growing divide: Liberalism vs. Conservatism

When asked about the most exciting trends in change management, Elmé points to artificial intelligence (AI) but quickly shifts her focus to the widening gap between liberalism and conservatism. She believes managing this growing divide is becoming a significant challenge for change makers. In her view, the focus will increasingly shift towards fostering personal and social relationships to bridge this gap.

Advice for new Change Managers: Ask questions

Elmé’s advice to new change managers is simple: ask questions. She emphasises the importance of questioning yourself and others, as this practice lays the foundation for becoming a strong change manager. The skill of asking good questions develops with experience, and it is essential for understanding complex situations and guiding successful change.