This course includes
- 6 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Proprietary workbook included
- Retake for free within 1 year
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 0.6 CEUs
This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Understanding and Implementing Change in the Workplace course .
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of change dynamics and their impact on individuals and organizations. Participants will analyze the reactions to change and tolerance for change, as well as develop the skills necessary to lead effective change management strategies.
Tuition
Full Tuition
Full tuition: $649Due before the class starts
This course includes
- 6 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Proprietary workbook included
- Retake for free within 1 year
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 0.6 CEUs
Learning Experience Highlights
Training from government‑experienced instructors
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.
Specialized for government & DoD
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student
Real-world solutions
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
125+ departments & agencies served
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
100% Online. Start Anytime
- 24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
- Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
- Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
- Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.
Earn a Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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Understanding and Implementing Change in the Workplace (Self-Paced) Curriculum
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Analyze change and its impact on people and organizations.
- Analyze reactions to change and tolerance for change.
- Utilize change management strategies.
- Analyze the connection between communication and change.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Change and Its Impacts
- Define the process of change in work settings and why leaders must adapt in a VUCA environment.
- Identify internal and external sources of change and distinguish adaptive vs. transformational shifts (see “Sources of Change” table, PDF p. 10).
- Predict positive and negative outcomes of change for people, processes, and performance.
- Describe common stages of change and how they unfold in organizations.
Module 2: Change Reactions and Tolerance Levels
- Recognize typical reactions to change (e.g., shock, denial, anger, testing, acceptance) and their impacts at work.
- Assess personal change tolerance using the Change Readiness traits (resourcefulness, optimism, adaptability, etc.).
- Gauge others’ tolerance levels to tailor support and engagement strategies.
- Apply leader responses that match reactions (e.g., listen/empathize, stand firm, provide training, give space).
Module 3: Utilizing Change Management Strategies
- Survey core models and when to use them, including PDCA/Deming (process-focused) and ADKAR (people-focused).
- Plan and pilot change, manage resistance, and provide knowledge, ability, and reinforcement for adoption.
- Evaluate effectiveness with goals, scope coverage, leadership/employee adoption, and outcome metrics.
- Report status to stakeholders via appropriate formats (verbal, written, presentations, standard reports).
Module 4: Analyzing the Connection Between Communication and Change
- Explain how strategy relies on clear, consistent communication to drive change.
- Create a communication plan using What/Who/When/How and reinforce messages (“say it 7 times”).
- Discuss change before, during, and after initiatives to build buy-in, surface concerns, and capture lessons learned.
- Select channels and timelines that sustain transparency and engagement across the change lifecycle.
Group Training
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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