Facilitating Change

DESCRIPTION

This series of three sessions is recommended for people leaders, human resources, and labour relations practitioners.

Session 1: Leading Through Instability – Managing Conversations About Change

Change in post-secondary institutions is constant, complex, and deeply personal. People leaders are being asked to guide faculty and staff through restructuring, workforce reductions, and institutional shifts—all while managing their uncertainty. This session explores the psychological, emotional, and leadership dimensions of change, equipping participants with strategies to lead with clarity, empathy, and resilience.

Participants will gain insights into the human impact of change, the role of psychological safety in uncertain environments, and techniques for communicating difficult decisions while maintaining engagement. By examining their own experiences with change and learning practical approaches to leading transitions, participants will strengthen their ability to support themselves and others effectively.

Key Topics:

• The psychological and emotional impact of change on individuals and teams
• Leading through uncertainty while balancing multiple and shifting priorities
• Strategies for communicating difficult changes with clarity and confidence
• Navigating concerns in a high-tension labour environment
• Building resilience and inclusion in times of instability

Session 2: The Labour Relations Overlay – What Leaders Need to Know about Change in their Institutions

Labour relations considerations shape how post-secondary institutions navigate change. This session provides people leaders with a foundational understanding of the legal, contractual, and labour relations frameworks that govern restructuring decisions. Participants will explore collective agreements, employment law, and union dynamics, gaining insights into how grievances and disputes are triggered during organizational change. An expert panel featuring labour relations specialists, HR professionals, and legal advisors will guide you in navigating these complexities effectively.

Key Topics:

The role of collective agreements in change management decisions

• Triggers in the Codes, Acts, and other legislation
• How workforce restructuring impacts grievances and dispute resolution
• Understanding the responsibilities and limitations of leaders in labour relations
• Expert panel (or guest speaker) discussion on best practices and common pitfalls

Session 3: Open Dialogue & Expert Feedback on Institutional Challenges

This highly interactive session provides participants with an opportunity to bring forward their real-world restructuring challenges, labour relations concerns, and change management questions. Guided by the facilitator and a panel of labour relations and leadership experts, participants will engage in structured discussions, receive direct feedback, and explore tailored solutions to the issues they are facing in their institutions. This session is designed to move beyond theory and provide actionable insights based on the realities of change in post-secondary institutions.

Key Topics:

• Addressing participant-specific challenges in restructuring and change leadership
• Best practices for navigating faculty relations in a high-tension labour environment
• Facilitated discussion on emerging issues in people leadership and labour relations
• Live coaching-style expert feedback on institutional case studies and leadership dilemmas