Why Traditional Change Management Training Isn't Enough – And How Immersive Experiential Learning Can Get It Right
In the UK, many businesses—across industries—have poured significant resources into change management training over the years, yet still struggle to achieve lasting results. The reality is that change isn’t just about strategy—it’s about human behaviour, mindset shifts, and the ability to adapt to new ways of working. This can be seen clearly in the public sector, where, according to the Financial Times,
“Only one in five NHS leaders received senior management training over the past five years.”
A finding highlighted by research from the UCL Global Business School for Health, which was shared with the Financial Times through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This is a stark reminder that while tools and frameworks are essential, without addressing the human side of change, organizations will continue to face resistance—no matter how much they invest in change management training or external expertise.
Why Traditional Change Management Training Falls Short
Empowering teams through dynamic change management training, where theory meets practice for seamless adaptation in today’s evolving workplace.
1. Focusing on Processes, Not People
Many UK companies continue to focus their change efforts on processes, tools, and frameworks. This is understandable—these elements are often the most tangible aspects of change. However, while these frameworks can be helpful, they are only part of the equation. In fact, focusing too much on process can distract from what truly matters: people. The UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, introduced to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasizes that the effective integration of technologies like AI hinges on strong collaboration among leaders, managers, and end-users. It highlights that prioritizing human factors—such as fostering a positive team culture and understanding group dynamics—is crucial for driving successful technology adoption.
2. The Power of Mindset: Addressing Resistance to Change
One of the most critical aspects of successful change is the human element: mindset. People will resist change if they don’t understand or accept it. Even the most well-crafted training programmes will falter if they don’t address the underlying fears and resistance to change.
To bridge this gap, we developed a highly immersive experiential learning designed to equip leaders with the psychological capital they need to thrive. Our approach integrates expert insights, cognitive tools, and interactive exercises, all tailored to help teams not only grasp the importance of psychological resilience but also apply it in real-world leadership contexts.
Shift your mindset to drive successful change with effective change management training.
Through the immersive workshop, we introduce participants to practical methods like "Rewind" and "Reframe," which help them shift their perspective, challenge limiting beliefs, and build a mindset that remains strong under pressure. These techniques encourage participants to reframe challenges as opportunities, enabling them to lead with greater confidence, tackle adversity with a renewed outlook, and ultimately drive more effective change within their teams and companies.
3. The Disconnect Between Strategy and Execution
At Sidestream.uk, we understand that even the most well-crafted strategies can fail if there’s a disconnect between the vision and the people who must execute it. Bridging the gap between strategy and execution is often the biggest challenge organisations face, and it’s the key to achieving meaningful business outcomes.
To highlight this, we developed an immersive training experience that simulates the real-world challenges of translating strategic vision into successful execution. In one of our immersive simulations, we took participants back to 2007, a time when streaming was an unproven and risky technology in the media industry. Executives had to make critical decisions on investments in emerging technologies—everything from anti-lag streaming to UX design and digital rights management—without knowing if these innovations would disrupt the market or fall short.
Through this immersive workshop, each team had to navigate the tension between strategic decision-making and execution, with the ultimate goal of impressing Martin Scorsese at the Academy Awards. Every decision was subject to the roll of a D20 dice, symbolising the unpredictable nature of both market dynamics and the execution of strategy.
This simulation directly addresses the disconnect between strategy and execution by pushing teams to not only think strategically but also to manage risk and adapt in the face of uncertainty. Participants gained hands-on experience in aligning strategy with execution, understanding how to navigate the challenges of innovation, and making decisions under pressure—skills that are crucial for effective leadership in today's fast-paced business world.
Embrace Change with Confidence – Let's Talk About Your Next Step
Change in an organisation is never just about tools or processes—it’s about how your team thinks and acts. By introducing behavioural training and immersive experiential learning, your company won’t just be prepared for change—it will thrive in it.
If you’re a business leader or founder looking to create sustainable, transformational change, we invite you to speak with us. Let’s discuss how immersive training can help your team not only manage change but embrace it fully.
